No reduction expected in local property tax for Leitrim homeowners

Local property tax has been confirmed to be unchanged in Co. Leitrim next year, with no reduction expected soon.

Local councillors can increase or reduce local property tax by up to 15 per cent from the basic rate set nationally.

In Leitrim, a 15 per cent increase from the basic rate currently applies on top of nationwide local property tax rates.

Despite the local elections taking place in June, there will be no change or reduction for Leitrim householders next year, according to a local Fine Gael Councillor.

Speaking to Shannonside FM, Fine Gael Councillor Enda McGloin confirmed that the 15 per cent option that applies across the county is set to be "adopted again for this year coming".

The Ballinamore Councillor is a member of the local alliance that controls the County Council.

"That's already there, it was a decision that was made by the last council to adopt that increase for a three year period. That runs up until September 2025, when this new council will have to make a decision on it, whether to continue that or to review it," McGloin said. 

"As it stands this year, the extra 15 per cent will be on the property tax for 2024.

Currently, 12 county or regional councils nationwide add the maximum 15 per cent increase, including Leitrim.

While no changes are expected for homeowners, commercial rates may be set to change in the county.

Next year's rate will be set by councillors at their budget meeting in December, and Councillor McGloin isn't ruling out an increase.

"There's a possibility that the current rate will have to be reviewed, but we'd hope to keep that to the minimum in order to continue the level of infrastructure investment in Leitrim that it so badly needs, and to ensure that our towns that might not have seen investment to date, to see them be lined up for some really good projects".

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