Employers group IBEC has warmly welcomed the decision by Limerick County Council not to increase rates for business for 2009.
Praised by IBEC for its pro-business approach, IBEC Regional Director, Mr Chris O’Donovan stated, “In the current climate the move is an extremely welcome one. It is a significant step towards improving the competitiveness of business in these economically challenging times.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the management and staff of Limerick County Council. Limerick County Council like all other authorities is going to experience shortfalls in funding and income streams for 2009.
“The manner in which they responded to this challenge was crucial for business. Today we must recognise and welcome the work of Limerick County Council in this regard.
“With over 1,700 redundancies in Limerick in the first eleven months of this year and that number growing, initiatives to reduce costs to ensure that business is given a fair chance to compete are imperative.
Mr O’Donovan continued, “Over the last number of weeks, IBEC Mid West has been campaigning for the councils to work in partnership with the business community of Limerick and to show the necessary leadership in a much tighter fiscal environment when setting commercial rates and charges. Limerick County Council has where possible implemented initiatives to reduce the burden of rate increases on business at this time. The announcement is a very welcome move for the business community of the County,’ he concluded.
