Cork business leaders slam increase in rates and parking

Business leaders in Cork City have criticised hikes in business rates and parking fees, along with cuts to the city’s economic development fund and festivals despite assurance last night it will not hit services.

Cork Chamber called for a complete overhaul of the local authority funding model after councillors voted on a raft of measures to balance the books against the backdrop of a €1.6m shortfall, caused mostly by government policy.

Cork Business Association chief executive Lawrence Owens described the budget as “disheartening”, and said it highlights the need for a city boundary extension.