Limerick council deliver “prudent” budget
Capital investment in building development in rural villages throughout County Limerick was earmarked at last week’s budget meeting, including over 30 houses built in rural villages in The Avondhu area.
Ten housing units are due in Kilfinane, with a budget of €6 million to complete the works. The budget will be parcelled out equally over three years from 2022 through to 2024.
Similarly, 12 units are currently being constructed in Knocklong, with €2.6 million to be invested in 2022, and a further €600,000 to be input into the project in 2023. Limerick council’s development plan notes that the wastewater treatment plant in Knocklong has limited capacity, with some operational issues. However, the development progressed after a connection offer was made by Irish Water in May 2020, and the council paid the connection charge. It is the council’s understanding that “the houses will be connected at the end of Station Close, and will feed into the existing rising main and to the existing treatment plant.”
Also in Knocklong, under the Social Housing Capital Investment Programme (SHIP), €1,185,828 is to be spent over the next three years on five turnkey housing units.
Ballylanders will see an allocation of €2,590,000 spent over the next three years on nine housing units.
Flood relief schemes were approved for several areas in Limerick City, Adare and Rathkeale, but no mention was made of Galbally in the plan, which has been identified in the County Development Plan as being ‘at risk’.
NO COMMERCIAL RATES INCREASE
The budget was adopted by Limerick City & County Council at a meeting last Friday. It included €378.5 million for capital projects, with no increase in commercial rates. A total of €3.8 million has been set aside for street cleaning and illegal dumping, with another €47 million for roads, traffic management and lighting.
Earlier in the year, councillors voted to increase the Local Property Tax by 15% above the base rate. Limerick council said that this additional €2.36 million from this decision is ring-fenced for local services like libraries, fire services and an urban and rural regeneration fund.
The council confirmed that, as part of their supports for the small business community, that there will be no change in the commercial rate.
“This decision recognises the uncertainty and hardships of the business community due to continuing Brexit issues and challenges faced by businesses due to Covid-19 restrictions.”