THERE was good news for businesses in Offaly this week with Offaly County Council not increasing their commercial rates.

Chairman of Offaly County Council Noel Bourke told members at the council’s budget meeting on Monday that it would be the second year in a row that the council had decided not to increase the rates, in an effort to help local businesses.

Cllr Johnny Butterfield said that a lot had changed since the council started its budget talks, with flooding and the recent cold snap. He said people in small businesses would be finding the going particularly tough. “They will have a lot of extra expenditure,” said Cllr Butterfield.

Meanwhile Cllr Bourke paid tribute to local company Loughnane Concrete for donating free grit to both the council and anyone in need of it. He said that IFA Chairman Aidan Larkin had also said that members would be prepared to help out. “People are prepared to be there and to be helpful,” said Cllr Bourke.