Clare County Council has adopted its budget for 2016, including a plan to begin harmonising rates throughout the county, despite intense criticism from businesses.
The plan was also opposed by several Councillors from Ennis and Kilrush.
Businesses in the areas covered by the former Kilrush and Ennis Town Councils have been paying a lower rates charge than elsewhere in the county.
When the Town Councils were abolished, it was decided that the rate would harmonise over time, and after the budget was adopted last night, this process will begin next year.
Half the gap will be bridged, meaning rates in Ennis next year will rise by 5.76%, and in Kilrush by 8.93%.
There's no change to the county rate, but businesses in all areas will be able to avail of a scheme which aims to incentivise rates payments
This will only be paid to businesses who have paid all their rates, and Mayor of Ennis Pat Daly and Kilrush Councillor Ian Lynch fear struggling firms will be left behind.
Despite this opposition, the budget passed after it received support from the majority of Councillors from outside of Ennis and Kilrush.
The Council also unveiled a separate scheme which will reduce rates charges on vacant properties, in a big to get more of them back in use.
