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.

Yesterday’s cabinet meeting also agreed on Thursday, October 27, as the date for the presidential election and two referenda will also decide on whether to cut judges’ pay and reverse the Abbeylara judgement which constrained the investigative powers of Oireachtas committees.

The Government also agreed on the appointment of Martin Fraser, former assistant secretary, Department of the Taoiseach, to become secretary-general to the Government and secretary-general of the Department of the Taoiseach, with effect from August 1.