'Slash and burn' council budget to spark property tax rises, recycling charges 

Tim Lucey, Chief Executive, Cork County Council. Significant increases to property tax and recycling charges could be among the measure commmunities in Co Cork face as a result of “a substantial” income loss to the local authority. Picture: Brian Lougheeed

Significant increases to property tax, recycling charges, the killing off of community-enhancement schemes, plus major cuts to roads, footpath and public lighting programmes could face communities in Co Cork as a result of “a substantial” income loss to the local authority from Covid-19.

In addition, it's expected that grant-aid to festivals and arts groups will also be seriously reduced as will repairs to local authority houses amid a “stark” financial outlook flagged by the council's chief executive and his head of finance, as they face the prospect of an upcoming 'slash and burn' budget. Speaking exclusively to the Irish Examiner, council chief executive, Tim Lucey, said the local authority is facing a massive challenge.