Rate Cuts for Local Sports Clubs On the Way
This week at Cabinet the Government agreed to proceed with legislation that will exempt local sports clubs from paying commercial rates on the non-profit parts of their building.
The Government proposal will make sports clubs exempt from paying rates on non-commercial buildings on their grounds. At present, any club that has a bar or shop facility is liable to pay rates based on the entire value of their premises. The Government proposal will exclude non-commercial buildings, such as dressing rooms, indoor courts and gymnasiums, from the overall rates process.
Many local clubs will stand to benefit from this proposal including our GAA Clubs like Kilmacud Crokes, Naomh Olaf or Ballinteer St. John’s and rugby clubs such as De La Salle Palmerston F.C., and Bective Rangers F.C.
This is a welcome development for sports clubs across South Dublin who are integral to our community, especially the health and wellbeing our young people, and often operate on tight budgets. The Government has clearly listened to and considered the views of sports clubs that are struggling financially and recognises their need for financial relief at this time.
Local sports clubs have made it clear to me that the current situation has placed an unfair financial burden on them. I’m glad the Government is acting to make the rate system fairer for the benefit of sports clubs and their members.
It will free up vital funds within clubs which can now be channelled into buying new equipment, improving facilities or encouraging new members to join.
It is another indication of how we are working hard to give back to local communities as the economy recovers, and I hope the knock-on effect will be an increase in participation in sports among young people.
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