merrion street

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD and Peter Burke TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, have today confirmed that additional Government funding of €2.5 million will be provided to Clare County Council for 2021. 

This funding is being provided in the context of changes to operations at the Moneypoint power station in West Clare, which has reduced the rates bill for the plant. Commercial rates from Moneypoint are a vital source of income to Clare and until recently accounted for roughly 25% of the county’s rates base. This additional funding recognises the serious impact that the change in valuation will have for Clare County Council in the short term and will help sustain services in the area.

In 2020, the Government has already made €900 million available to local authorities to support a 9 month commercial rates waiver. This Government support has been critical in terms of supporting local businesses but also in terms of supporting local authorities deliver key services to communities in their local areas.

Minister O’Brien said:

For Clare County Council, absorbing an income loss of this magnitude next year would simply not be sustainable without serious implications for local services. This is recognised by Government and acknowledged by myself and Minister Burke, as we work closely with local authorities on a daily basis.

Minister Burke said:

As Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, I have seen at first hand the great work of our local authorities up and down the country. This has especially been the case during COVID-19, when we have seen our local authorities lead the Community Call initiative and provide vital services to citizens. The great work of local authorities is recognised by this Government and the local government sector can be assured of this.