Council warns services will be cut due to house tax shortfall

The refusal by almost half the country’s homeowners to pay the €100 household charge could lead to cutbacks on road maintenance and library services in one of Ireland’s largest local authorities.

Cork County Council confirmed yesterday it may also be forced to cut arts grants and halt small construction schemes.

It is estimated the council could have its local government fund cut by up to €4m as a result of the planned shortfall in household charges.