Waterford City Council cuts commercial rates by 20%

It is hoped the reduction will stimulate the local economy enabling businesses to generate more employment.

Fine Gael Councillor John Cummins says it sends out a clear message that Waterford is open for business.

Mr Cummins said: “The IDA have increased their itineraries to Waterford dramatically over the last two years.

“Unfortunately we haven’t seen the fruits of them in large numbers of jobs, and I certainly hope that the rates reduction coupled with the fact I’ve got approval from Minister Bruton that companies locating in Waterford and the south-east will now command the same levels of State aid as they do in Galway and the BMW region.”