COVID-19 Commercial Rates Deferral

Payments of commercial rates by businesses which are severely impacted by COVID-19 can be deferred until the end of May, following an agreement between the Government and local authorities announced (here) on 20 March 2020 (the "Announcement"). Businesses in the retail, leisure, hospitality and childcare sectors are among those which can avail of a deferral

Local authorities are responsible for implementing deferrals in their respective areas.

Every year, local authorities collect €1.5 billion in commercial rates, which are essential for funding local services. Short-term supports are available for local authorities to help with cash-flow reductions resulting from rates deferrals. These measures will be kept under review as the COVID-19 situation develops.