Wicklow Councillors Split On Local Property Tax Rates

Will your property tax go up? Wicklow councillors will decide on Friday.

A decision on Local Property Tax in County Wicklow had to be put on hold after a heated row over a proposed rate increase.  Members of Wicklow County Council backed the postponement by 18 votes to 10, with one abstention and three councillors absent. A special meeting will go ahead on Friday to set the 2027 rate ahead of October 15 deadline.

Management Seeking 15% Increase

The row followed a recommendation from the council's finance director, Brian Gleeson, to raise the local adjustment factor from the current 6% to 15%. The move would bring in an extra €2.1 million a year and help address a projected €3.6 million budget deficit in 2027.

Mr Gleeson pointed to rising costs, including pay increases, pensions, insurance, inflation and staffing. Unlike last year, central government will not increase LPT allocations to councils in 2027. Wicklow's gross allocation will stay at €23.5 million, and growth in commercial rates income is expected to be well below previous years.

Councillors Split

The proposal met strong opposition. Independent Cllr Joe Behan called it "outrageous" and said constituents are struggling. Sinn Féin Cllr Warren O'Toole described it as "another burden" on households.

Labour Cllr Paul O'Brien asked those seeking to cut or freeze the tax should explain where the lost income would be found. Fine Gael Cllr Peter Stapleton proposed a compromise of 10%, arguing councillors have a responsibility to safeguard council services. Independent Cllr Stephen Stokes seconded, warning that services relied on by vulnerable residents could be affected without extra revenue.

Sinn Féin To Push For Maximum Reduction

Sinn Féin plans to oppose the increase and push for the maximum 15% reduction in the LPT at Friday's meeting.  Wicklow TD John Brady says the answer to funding pressures "cannot simply be to keep increasing the amount households are asked to pay". He will continue to press the Government to properly resource the council.

Chief executive Emer O'Gorman confirmed the special meeting will take place tomorrow, Friday October 9th.