Councillors oppose rate changes following shock closure of Ballinasloe hotel

October 13th, 2:05pm October 13th, 2:05pm

Galway Bay FM News Desk

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Ballinasloe councillors have unanimously passed a motion opposing any increase in commercial rates in the town.

It follows the shock closure of Hayden’s Hotel in the town this week.

When Ballinasloe Town Council was replaced by the new municipal district structure, local councillors were given ten years to bring Ballinsloe’s commercial rates in-line with the rest of the county.

However, at municipal district level, councillors agreed that following the closure of Hayden’s Hotel, there should be no rates increase this year.

The matter was raised by Councillor Tim Broderick, who said the closure of the well-known hotel was ‘disappointing.’

He put forward a motion to freeze any commercial rates increase in the town – and following a slight amendment by Councillor Michael Connolly, the motion was passed unanimously.

The council executive told the meeting that a rates increase this year was ‘not envisaged.’

However, Councillor Broderick said he felt his motion was necessary to prevent a rates hike, due to the ongoing shortfall in the council’s budget.