City traders could see commercial rates increase next year.
The hike is being discussed as the City Council tries to balance its budget for next year as it projects a €3m deficit.
Negotiations are continuing but the increase in rates for businesses could be around 3%.
Paul Walsh who owns 3 Little Piggies Deli on Union Quay says it’s unfair that the City Council's shortfall could impact businesses:
"I don't think they realise what's going on, my footfall is still the same as what it was 4/5 years ago. but the margins I make on that have been absolutely obliterated. They can see businesses being busy, but busy being fools really. They're not making the money they used too, and this is why businesses are closing, even when they do seem busy, they're closing because there's no profit."
