Business and Enterprise Support

Laois County Council provide financial support to business owners who pay their rates on time.

Commercial Rates - income collected from the Community and spent in the Community.

Occupiers of rateable commercial properties such as shops, offices, factories, warehouses, hotels and licensed premises must pay commercial rates on their property to Laois County Council. The rates bill is due and payable in full on the first day in January each year. From 2026, interest will be applied to unpaid rate accounts.

Laois County Council may agree payment plans with business owners who fall behind in the rates payments.

Occupiers of rateable commercial properties must notify Laois County Council when a property is being transferred to another owner or occupier and also confirm who is responsible for paying commercial rates.

Occupiers of rateable commercial properties which are vacant on the date the rate is made by Laois County Council and have their rates paid in full, may apply for a refund for the period of the vacancy.

Laois County Council cannot change the Valuation of a Property. Tàilte Eireann (Valuation Office) may support occupiers of rateable properties to have their rateable valuation reviewed if there is a Material Change to the Property.

As part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257m for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses.

The Local Government Operational Procurement Centre (LGOPC) based in Kerry County Council manage, develop and promote best practice for the procurement of works, goods and services for plant hire and minor building and civil works.

As a Public Body we are all obliged to ensure public funds are properly accounted for, used for their intended purpose, obtain value-for-money and act in the public interest whenever public money is being spent or invested in ways that are consistent with legal, regulatory and Government policy.

Laois County Council provides information and advice to suppliers who want to supply goods, services or works in line with public sector procurement guidelines.

Laois County Council provides regular training to staff members throughout the year to ensure they are aware of their procurement obligations as set out in National and EU legislation and Government Policy.

Laois County Council pay suppliers of goods and services and contractors in line with Government requirements.

Laois County Council will advise suppliers and contractors working for them about invoicing procedures, tax compliance and payments.

Suppliers may submit tenders to supply goods, services or works to Laois County Council in line with public sector procurement guidelines.