Local property tax revenues should be used to upgrade water infrastructure

As part of their successful election campaign in 1977, Fianna Fáil promised to abolish the rates levied on households. As a majority government, they did so. Household rates had funded local government services, inclusive of mains water and refuse collection, since the foundation of the State.

This decision was retrograde. Investment in water systems suffered. In 2013, the then government re-introduced the household rates system, under the guise of the local property tax (LPT).

LPT is a more enhanced and efficient revenue-raising system than rates. It is administrated by the Revenue and ensures a regular income, year-to-year. The tax increased by 5% from 2014 to 2015. This increase was sanctioned by the county councillors, rather than central government. I assume it was to cover wage and cost increases.