The Environment Minister is being urged to give Clare people back their money, following a reduction in council funds during payment of the Household Charge.
In an effort to boost compliance with the 100 euro levy last year, Minister Phil Hogan ordered that 243,000 euro be withheld from Clare County Council’s third quarter budget allocation until payment levels went up.
Despite a surge in Household Charge payments to a current level of 83% compliance in Clare, these funds have never been restored, and with the Property Tax now in force, the Council’s Finance Officer has indicated the money will not be recoupable.
West Clare Councillor Christy Curtin expressed outrage at this, stressing that the Minister owes the people of Clare a legitimate debt.
