Tag Archives: Local Government Reform

CLARE County Council saved more than €400,000, as a result of the abolition of three town councils and the reduction of 40 councillors since the local elections last May. Councillor Johnny Flynn had called for a report from head of finance, Niall Barrett, on savings following the abolition of the three town councils and the reduction in numbers from 68 to 28 councillors, since the mid-2014 elections. He also asked what reductions to Clare and Ennis town rates can be expected in 2016, as a result of these and other associated efficiencies that were predicted to be achieved, following the 2014 Local Government Reform package. According to Mr Barrett, payments to councillors in 2013 were €1,266,000; in 2014, €1,063,000, and this year, the cost is expected to be €858,000 – the first full year that the council is operating as a single entity – a saving of €408,000. Mr Barrett added that it should also be noted that the Local …

CLARE  property owners who haven’t registered and paid the Non Principal Private Residence (NPPR) charge, including any late payment penalties have until August 31 to discharge their liability before additional penalties are added to the charge, under new legislative changes announced by Government. The NPPR charge applies to any residential property in which the owner does not reside as their normal place of residence such as holiday homes, second properties and rental properties, Clare County Council has advised. The charge also applies to vacant residential property and properties where the owners live abroad. The NPPR was in place for five years from 2009 to 2013. The payment Local Government Reform Act 2014 provides for a period, March 2 to August 31, 2014, during which time no new late penalties will be applied to existing liabilities. As and from September 1, additional penalties of over 50 % will be applied to existing arrears resulting in a liability of up to €7,230 …