Leadership

Commercial rates frozen for 2010 in Co Clare

07.12.2009
Businesses in Co Clare have been buoyed by the news that Clare County Council will not be increasing commercial rates in 2010 and that the county is to see a 3pc reduction in water charges.

Commenting on the approval of the 2010 Budget, Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy said the freezing of commercial rates was a significant achievement, considering rates were subject to increases each year in the past.

“I would like to congratulate the County Manager, Corporate Policy Group and my fellow elected representatives for their pragmatic yet positive approach to formulating and approving this budget,” Mulcahy said.

Announcing details of the Council’s budget for 2010, the Clare County Manager Tom Coughlan also confirmed a 3pc reduction in water charges. Coughlan said the decision would play an important role in sustaining existing jobs, and reinforcing Clare’s position as an attractive location for investment.

Commenting on the reduction of water charges, Coughlan said: “The budget shows that savings have been made in the costs of providing water services in the county, particularly on energy costs. Therefore, the decision has been made to reduce the charge for water supply in 2010 by 3pc from €1.33 per cubic metre to €1.29. The charge for the provision of waste-water services will remain unchanged at €1.65 per cubic metre. This again will help the local commercial sector to continue its recovery throughout 2010.”

Clare County Council’s budget for 2010 shows gross expenditure of €112.6m, which represents a 5pc reduction on 2009. It was unanimously approved following a meeting of Clare County Council in Aras Chontae an Chláir last Friday.

Coughlan said that one of the main objectives of the budget for 2010 was to support the business community and stimulate economic activity within the county. He continued: “This is the first time in many years that there has been no rate increase and where expenditure has had to be reduced in order to achieve this.”