A Clare government Senator has warned that Clare County Council may not be able to afford a property tax reprieve for homeowners here.
The local authority has been told that it can cut the charge by 15%, though their system to distribute the funding has been criticised by the county's opposition TD
Unveilling his plan for the distribution of the property tax yesterday, Minister Alan Kelly deemed Clare one of 10 areas where the full 15% rates cut can be implemented.
That's because the Council's 80% share of the charge is greater than it's funding from central government this year.
However, one government representative here isn't sure that any reduction is possible.
Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator, and former Councillor Martin Conway, has sounded a 'note of caution', warning that it has already been difficult for the local authority to maintain service levels over recent years.
The property tax plans have been slammed by Clare's Fianna Fáil TD today.
20% of the local property tax money has been funnelled into a central pool which will be distributed to Councils which would otherwise face a shortfall.
Deputy Timmy Dooley has dismissed this as a 'slush fund'
Clarity on the matter is expected as soon as Monday, when Clare County Councillors hold their September meeting.
The property tax is on the agenda, with two Fianna Fáil motions calling for the 15% reduction.
However, Council Cathaoirleach and Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe feels more clarity is needed.
