News

GAA clubs in line for '100 per cent rates relief'

Finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir pictured with  St Enda's GAC's Paul Meldrum and Liam McGrath yesterday
Finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir pictured with St Enda's GAC's Paul Meldrum and Liam McGrath yesterday Finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir pictured with St Enda's GAC's Paul Meldrum and Liam McGrath yesterday

SINN Féin finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has indicated he plans to do away with the reviled rates bills for amateur sporting clubs, which had threatened some with closure.

The GAA has been campaigning for an end to rates bills which it says are inflated because of "non-profit-making" stands in its grounds.

One Co Tyrone club told the minister yesterday that it is facing a ruinous £21,700 bill from Land and Property Services - despite enjoying 80 per cent relief along with other clubs.

Omagh St Enda's GAC co-hosted Mr Ó Muilleoir along with Omagh Rugby Football Club at an event aimed at highlighting the hardship faced by clubs.

Even smaller clubs are facing bills of around £3,000.

Orange halls have been exempt from rates since 2006.

An earlier bid to exempt GAA and other sports clubs from rates was blocked by the DUP and, in March, Tattyreagh GAA club, near Omagh revealed it was facing being "put out of business" after building new stands which had pushed up their bill.

However, following the meeting, the minister tweeted that he was "hopeful that the assembly will approve 100 per cent relief later this year (for) amateur sports clubs", adding that this would not include any bar area.

He added he was "confident local amateur sports clubs with stands will not face punitive bills while we examine issues".

A Finance department spokeswoman said it had completed its consultation on draft regulations allowing 100 per cent rate relief to "unlicensed Community Amateur Sports Clubs".

"The new legislation will be presented to the Finance Committee prior to Minister Ó Muilleoir asking the assembly to approve legislation in September," she said.

"Qualifying clubs will then have to apply for the enhanced relief."

The move was welcomed by Tyrone assembly member Barry McElduff, former chair of Stormont's Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee.

"This will make a big, big difference to clubs and is something I have been pushing for for a long time," the Sinn Féin representative said.