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. Speaking exclusively to the Irish Examiner, council chief executive, Tim Lucey, said the local authority is facing a massive challenge. This includes a huge loss of commercial rates income, cut off to the council due to a national waiver scheme for businesses between March 27-Sept 27. The council also lost significant revenue from pay parking, which was suspended to encourage shoppers back into towns. Such funding includes town development projects, village enhancement schemes, grants to community groups and supports for start-up businesses.

Source: Irish Examiner September 22, 2020 05:39 UTC