Cars are moving again!

A REPORT  from the Society of Irish Motor Industry indicates that new car sales  surged by nearly 40% last month on the same month last year.

“While the figures were starting from a very low base this is really good news for such a hard pressed industry," Deputy John McGuinness told Kilkenny Alive

“I was delighted when the Minister for Finance announced the scrappage scheme that would allow those participating to avail of VRT relief of up to €1,500 per new car purchased when trading in cars 10 years or older While the amount may seem small, it is proving to be a positive incentive

“Over 10,000 jobs had been lost in the car sales sector and this practical measure is obviously having a positive impact.”

“There is also a big focus on environmentally friendly cars and the development of new technology in this field. There is now a VRT exemption for electric cars and VRT relief of up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid electric cars and this will be extended until the 31st of December 2010

“I hope that is an upward trend and that it helps to protect jobs in the sector. The purchase of new cars also brings much needed taxes into the Government coffers. Those interested in availing of the car scrappage scheme can access more information at http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/faqs-scrappage-scheme.html.” concluded Deputy McGuinness.

New Working Group on Commercial Rents to address needs of hard pressed retailers

A NEW Working Group on Commercial Rents has been established following a motion placed before the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party.

“A motion was placed before the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party about the need to address the issue of commercial rates around the country," Deputy John McGuinness told Kilkenny Alive.

“This issue has come to the fore in recent times, particularly with hard pressed retailers who were finding their rents spiralling out of control, forcing many out of business.

“The Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern who is responsible for this area brought into law a provision that barred the upward only commercial rent review clause that resulted in hardship for many business owners.”

“While this was a welcome move it did not have any effect on current leases and only applied to newly signed leases. As a result those who signed leases in recent years had no respite.”

“Following the motion to the Parliamentary Party meeting, the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern TD confirmed that he is establishing a new Working Group to report to him on the issue of commercial rents and the difficulties being faced by business tenants," Deputy McGuinness continued.

“The Working Group will invite all of the relevant stakeholders to submit their views and I would encourage everyone who can to take part in the process.

“Retailers and other commercial business owners form the heart of any city, town or village. They are a vital source of local employment and an important part of the local economy so we need to come up with practical measures to support them. I am hopeful that this Working Group will be able to establish some ways of assisting the sector."