Longford County Council will decide today whether to increase commercial rates by 7 per cent next year. They're holding their annual budget meeting this afternoon. They will sign off on a budget of over €80 million for 2026 - an increase of over €4 million on this year. 16 million will be spent on housing and building and over €22 million on roads. Councillors will have the final say on what to do with commercial rates.
The local authority wants to increase rates by 7 per cent, but the full increase wouldn't apply to 86 per cent of ratepayers, because of the Small Business Support Scheme. The council says several 'acute financial matters' have affected them this year, including the loss of rates' income due to the closure of Lough Ree Power Station in Lanesboro. This was the council's biggest ratepayer, with an annual bill of over €1.2 million. The council says it's concerned about the 'global uncertainties' that lie ahead next year, including US tariffs, and the climate, migrant, and cost-of-living crises.
