Fingal freezes commercial rates again in 2017 budget

FINGAL County Council has frozen the level of commercial rates for the sixth successive year after councillors overwhelmingly agreed a budget of €216 million for 2017. 

The rates freeze will assist the competitiveness of local businesses in the face of a number of economic uncertainties including the fall-out from the Brexit referendum.

The council said its 2017 budget provides for a significant and continued level of investment in the social, economic and cultural fabric of Fingal. 

It is aiming to deliver on a number of core objectives including continued investment in housing which, at €55 million, represents over a quarter of the budget.

The council’s planned expenditure of €215,953,800 next year will fund its day-to-day operations as well as contributing to the advancement of Fingal’s Capital Programme. This will cost €324.4 million over a three-year period (2017-2019). 

With a population of 296,214, the 2017 budget represents a spend of €729.05 per head and a major stimulus to the local economy. 

Meanwhile, councillors opted to reduce the basic rate of Local Property Tax (LPT) by 15 per cent and charges will remain at the same level as in 2016. The decision leaves the council with discretionary LPT income of €1.9 million and reduces the income from the tax by €5.7 million. 

Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid said the county is in an exciting phase of development. “As our national economy recovers, Fingal, more than any other county, is positioned to be the engine of growth,” he said. “The council will support that objective through concerted activity by our Economic Development team.” 

Just as importantly, we will provide services and fund initiatives that foster a county where people want to live and work. Providing that positive environment is a key factor in driving Fingal forward.”