KILDARE South TD and Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Martin Heydon has said he was pleased to facilitate a meeting of local Kildare South businesses with Minister Simon Coveney in Leinster House on Wednesday to discuss new rates charges.

The Minister gave details of new legislation he hopes to bring in to modernise the collection system and give more flexibility to local authorities, but also emphasised the independence of the valuations office.

Heydon said: “Minister Coveney heard first hand the individual cases of Kildare South businesses from across retail, industry and the equine sectors.

“He had received approval for the heads of a bill on the issue from Cabinet this week, which will allow new legislation to be prepared on the collection of rates. This new legislation will give more power to local authorities around collection and alleviation measures.

“I look forward to playing a role in developing this legislation as it passes through the Dail in the coming weeks. Minister Coveney stressed the importance of Kildare businesses appealing before next Tuesday, April 18th to ensure their concerns can be considered as part of the official appeals process.”

Ted Walsh, on behalf of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, was among the group who met with Minister Coveney.