Service cuts fears as city tackles €10m deficit

LIMERICK City Council is €10 million in the red, a four-fold increase in the space of a year.

News of the huge deficit emerged yesterday amid fears that the city's householders will suffer cuts in services as a result and businesses could eventually be forced to foot the bill with punishing hikes in rates.

City manager Tom Mackey acknowledged that the city was facing one of its worst financial crises and would have to seriously tighten its belt.