Clare County Council is not expecting a financial blow, in spite of a government-instigated change in how rates are applied on Irish Water-owned properties.
Dublin City Council is expecting a loss of over €8m from the move, but here the Council expects what it describes as a “positive outcome.”
When Irish Water was established, a decision was taken commercial rates would not be charged on its properties.
Instead, the government has given compensation to local authorities – €165,000 a year in the case of Clare.
That ends in 2020, however, when Irish Water becomes rateable, and in Dublin this has caused a significant issue.
The City Council there is facing a loss of €8.4 million, and its members have refused to pass their Budget as a result.
Here in Clare, as elected members prepare to meet to pass their Budget today, no such issue is expected.
Clare County Council has told Clare FM that, unlike in Dublin, it’s expecting a ‘positive’ financial outcome from the change.
Today’s Budget meeting is also expected to see commercial rates charges in Clare remain unchanged for the second straight year.
