Vacant buildings

THERE are very little additional Council resources to provide services for the people in the New Year, councillor Declan Bree has claimed.

He told Monday’s annual budget meeting that this was despite the fact that there was an expectation of a small surplus and that it would receive some additional funding from the Department of Local Government for adhering to the Chief Executive’s Financial Plan.

“I am particularly disappointed that the Chief Executive has not included provision in the budget for at least an additional €500,000 income in rates from banks, insurance companies and other owners of vacant commercial properties. When such a property is vacant, the owner can seek a rates refund from the Council if the owner shows that the property was available for letting or the property was undergoing alteration, renovations or repairs.

“Legislation was enacted to give discretion to councils to vary the level of rates refunds that apply. However, this Council does not bother collecting rates from the owners of vacant commercial properties. An additional €500,000 income per year would provide this Council with an opportunity to improve local services and increase financial assistance to numerous voluntary organisations and residents groups in the town and county. “