GAA clubs in Louth are up in arms over the rate bills they have received from the Local Authority.

Clubs that have bars, shops or rent out their pitches are due to pay commercial rates with some of the bills exceeding €10,000.

The Louth County Council have already issued the bills and at last Monday night's county board meeting, the clubs concerned expressed their dissatisfaction at having to pay so much.

St Pat's chairman Alan Duffy told the Argus: "It's another stealth tax. It's not just an issue for GAA clubs but for all sporting organisations."

The Argus goes on to report that Pat's and Cooley Kickhams received bills of €14,000 and €15,700 respectively.

The cost of running a GAA club is huge at any given time and Duffy added that such a bill can put a massive strain on a club.

"This demand is causing a lot of anger among members," added Duffy. "We have to fund raise constantly to keep our club going. Our electricity/gas bill was €15,000 last year and we also pay €20,000 for insurance and registration. This would mean going back to the same people that we are always asking for money."

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