It’s been argued that Clare County Council’s recently announced budget highlights the need to support the county’s retailers.
Local representatives have granted approval for the local authority’s 2024 budget which has seen commercial rates reduce by over 4%.
The local authority’s budget for the coming year has been widely welcomed by county councillors, following its announcement at a special meeting of Áras Chontae an Chláir last evening.
The Annual Budget 2024, which has been adopted by elected members of Clare County Council, provides for €186.4 million euro in expenditure for service provision, which is an increase of €34 million on last year.
A key aspect of the budget is the retention of 100% of Local Property Tax revenue by the council which will represent additional income of almost €2 million, bringing the local authority’s anticipated income from LPT to over €11 million.
Chief Executive of Clare County Council Pat Dowling believes this welcome revenue will enable the local authority to develop and grow vital services.
The commercial rates revaluation carried out by Tailte Éireann means rates for local businesses will decrease by 4.4%, meaning 62% will be paying less in the coming year.
It’s expected however that the council will still yield over €45 million from commercial rates next year with over €1 million of this coming from retailers.
Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan is adamant that in spite of the reduction in rates, more needs to be done to insulate independent local businesspeople from financial pressures.
You can listen to the full interview below.