This article is from page 23 of the 2012-04-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
THE number of businesses that went into liquidation has been cited as the main reason for the level of uncollected commercial rates in Ennis.
Latest figures show that as of March 23, Ennis Town Council had just over € 2.4 million of “temporary uncollectible rates.”
In 2011 the council had “irrecoverable” rates of € 502,755, a decrease of € 26,175 on last year’s figure.
A report on the schedule of uncollected rates 2011 was presented at last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council.
Town Clerk Leonard Cleary explained, “In 2011, Ennis Town Council had irrecoverable rates of € 502,755, which represented 6.99 per cent of rate demand for 2011.
“These irrecoverable rates related to rates which were not legally collectable e.g. demolished / vacant properties, charitable organisations, properties occupied by the HSE etc.”
Mr Cleary continued, “At December 31, the temporary uncollectible rates stood at € 2,901,37 which represents 40.32 per cent of the rate demand for 2011.
“However, € 474,000 has been col- lected in rates to March 23. This temporary uncollectible balance is made up of a number of accounts, each with considerable balances owing.
“Ennis Town Council is making every effort to recover these monies by agreeing payment plans to allow people make phased payment or by proceeding through the appropriate legal channels including service of court summons”.
He added, “It should be noted also that a number of companies, who owe rates, have gone into liquidation over the last number of years.
“Ennis Town Council must await the decisions of liquidators to establish the amount of outstanding rates will be recovered from these companies.”
Town Manager Ger Dollard told the meeting that he was quite satisfied with the amount of money collected by the council to date in 2012.
However, he added that rate collection is still an issue for the council.
He said the council is willing to make “reasonable arrangements” with people regarding the payment of rates.
The court heard that the council has issued 70 summonses in relation to outstanding debt.