Rates reduction for multi-nationals will force service cuts, say councillors

Cork County Council will have to cut services because it is going to be left with a €1.9m deficit in its budget after major multinationals got their rates reduced.

The move by the Government to cut some companies’ rates is to be resisted by county councillors who say their cash-strapped local authority can’t afford the cut to its revenue when they are trying to address a housing crisis and homelessness.

Cllr Des O’Grady, the SF leader on the council, received cross-party support when he said major telecoms, pharmaceutical, and services companies had their rates significantly reduced on foot a government move prompted by an EU directive.