It’s been confirmed that over 60% of Clare businesses will pay less in commercial rates next year.
Local representatives assembled at Áras Chontae an Chláir this afternoon to approve Clare County Council’s Draft Budget for 2024.
The local authority’s predicted expenditure for the coming year is up more than €30 million on last year to €186.4 million.
Development Management and Housing & Building are the two greatest areas of expense, with the council anticipating expenditure in these two areas to amount to over €81 million.
All areas of expenditure have seen an increased allocation, with the greatest rise in Development Management which has been granted an additional €20 million.
The draft budget was framed with a 4.4% reduction in indicative ARV or Annual Rate of Evaluation, which means over 60% of businesses in the county will pay reduced commercial rates next year.
Director of Finance and Support Services Noeleen Fitzgerald confirmed that commercial rates revenue from ESB generating stations will be down by over €3 million to €7.3 million owing to the decommissioning of Moneypoint Power Station.
Commercial rates income from wind farms however is expected to increase by €1.7m as a result of new renewable energy developments in the county.
Clare County Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling said he is “confident this budget addresses the needs of our county as we move into 2024”.
Meanwhile, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes deemed it the “most progressive budget” in recent years, and Sixmilebridge Independent Councillor PJ Ryan stated “I don’t think I’ve seen a more positive budget”.
