Galway City Council advises ratepayers that as of 1st January 2026, unpaid commercial rates from 2025 will accumulate interest at an annual rate of 8%.
This has been set out in legislation under Section 12 of the Local Government (Rates and Other Matters) Act 2019. See below information on how the interest will be applied.
WHY
The Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 makes provision for the application of interest on unpaid 2025 rates from 1st January 2026.
HOW
Any 2025 rates not paid by 31st Dec 2025 will incur daily interest of 0.0219% (APR 8%) from 1st Jan 2026 until it is paid. The interest will be posted to your account at the end of 2026.
CUSTOMERS WHO ARE IN AGREED AND UP TO DATE PAYMENT AGREEMENTS WILL NOT INCUR INTEREST
EXAMPLE
Customer A has an annual rates bill of €3000. They do not pay it in 2025. They pay €1500 on 1st July 2026 with €1500 unpaid at the end of 2026. Customer A will incur €60 interest on the late payment and €120 interest on the balance that remains at the end of 2026. €180 in interest will be posted to their account at the end of 2026.
Please pay your rates bill by year end or contact your revenue collector to discuss a payment plan.
Alternatively, you can contact the Rates Office on 091 536400 or rates@galwaycity.ie.