A war of words has erupted over the decision to increase the local property tax in Clare.
Clare households will pay 15% more in 2017 following a vote by local councillors.
For the past two years homeowners in Clare have benefitted from a 15% reduction in the local property tax – a decision made to help people struggling during the recession.
But now local councillors have passed a proposal to collect the tax in full next year, by 21 votes to 4, at a special meeting of the local authority.
It will mean the majority of households will have to fork out no more than an extra 50 euro extra a year, but still allow for an extra 1.5 million euro to be collected for the local authority.
But a former Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council James Breen says the wrong decision has been made.
The money will be divided among a number of initiatives including housing grants for the elderly and disabled, taking housing estates in charge and the Clare County of Culture.
Community groups will be given funds for playgrounds and other facilities and leisure centres in Shannon, Lahinch and Kilkee will also benefit.
The proposal to hike the charge was put forward by Kilmaley Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom McNamara, who insists the decision was made to benefit the ordinary people of this county.
