Breaking: Black Friday Budget underway at Tipperary County Council

Tipperary County Council's projected expenditure for 2023

placeholder image — Tipperary County Council's projected expenditure for 2023

The meeting is likely to be a very lengthy one as councillors express concerns with demands

The annual estimate of income and expenditure for Tipperary County Council is underway at the Council Chamber in Clonmel today and it is likely to take some time to reach agreement.

This Black Friday Budget, which has broken the €200 million mark for the first time, has been prepared on the basis that the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) for Tipperary County Council for 2023 will be set at 0.2053 (ie an increase of c. 7% on the

2022 ARV). This level of increase is necessary to underwrite the largest investment ever in the town centres, villages and rural amenities, Chief Executive Mr Joe MacGrath outlined to members in his executive report.

Above: Tipperary County Council's projected income sources for 2023.

Should the 7% increase get the approval of the members - and this will be a hotly debated subject - it would generate over €2million in additional funds - these funds will be required as matching funds for the many infrastructural projects on the councils books presently.

"Given the very significant investment already commenced in our town centres and future investments proposed, it is critical to ensure that we continue to make real progress in addressing dereliction in our town centres and villages with particular reference to vacant properties. This draft Budget adopts a Town Centre First approach and builds on a range of incentives and supports already introduced including the introduction of a range of financial supports to incentivise the re-use of buildings including the Croí Conaithe Fund, Repair and Lease and Buy and Renew Scheme," Mr MacGrath said.

The Budget has been prepared and is currently being presented by the Finance Officer, Mr Liam McCarthy and the Chief Executive.