Leitrim County Councillors are defending the decision to raise commercial rates by five percent in the local authority budget for 2025. Yesterday's budget meeting saw tense exchanges between councillors as the increase was discussed. Councillor Des Guckian accused the local authority of putting more pressure on local businesses. Responding to the Independent Councillor, Council Chief Executive Joseph Gillhooly argued that the five percent increase over five years would ensure the council could access 240 million euro in match funded grants for major capital projects.
In a stark warning to the chamber, he informed councillors that should the five percent increase be refused, then a number of high profile projects would be shelved due to lack of funding. Fine Gael Councillor Enda McGloin hit back at Councillor Guckian, stating that it would be madness for the council to throw away the opportunity for massive capital funds. Speaking after the meeting, Councillor McGloin believes the decision is the right one to help continue the growth of services in the county:
