Rate hike for Tipp traders

Derelict properties key as council adopts ‘challenging budget’

Local business people will have a 5.5% commercial rates increase to contend with next year after Tipperary Co Council adopted its biggest budget yet.

With almost a quarter of a billion euro earmarked for expenditure in 2025, spiralling inflation has seen the council's costs increase by more than 20% over the last five years. Coupled with such factors as global instability, rising energy costs and population growth, the situation has prompted the council to seek a 5.5% increase in the rate demand. It comes on top of a 5% increase in 2023; the rate demand had remained largely unchanged since 2014. But in presenting her first budget last week as CEO, Sinéad Carr said another increase in rates - which account for around 15% of income - would be necessary in order to maintain council services at existing levels, enhancing them where possible.

Head of Finance Mark Connolly described the 2025 estimates as “without doubt a challenging budget”. But he and Ms Carr were keen to point out that Tipperary has the fourth lowest rates demand in the country, and the lowest compared to all surrounding counties. Even with the 5.5% increase, local ratepayers would be paying well below the national average.

The executive members also pointed to the supports the council has made available to the business community, including the Early Payment Scheme, which is available to 93% of ratepayers and could actually result in them saving money.