City councillors set to debate cut in property tax

Cork’s city councillors will meet tonight to debate a possible reduction in the local property tax rate amid stark warnings that a full 15% cut would cost €1.7m and hit services.

The Department of Environment has indicated that the city can afford a 5.4% cut following confirmation that it will get €613,000 more from the tax next year than this year, if the rate remains unchanged.

But the council’s chief executive, Ann Doherty, has told councillors that if the maximum 15% cut is agreed, it will cost €1.7m — or €8.5m over the life of the council — and recommended no change to the rate.