Tipperary councils to merge in 2014

THE premier county will from the 2014 local elections no longer be split as Tipperary North and South and will be merged into one council.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan said this would bring about a reduction in commercial rates which reduce from €60.13 in the North of the county to €56.77 in line with South Tipperary rates.

The minister said he has an “open mind” about the merger of Waterford City and County Councils.