Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
164. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities will receive additional funding from Government in view of significant losses due to Covid-19; the matters examined by his Department in respect of this issue; his plans in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27965/20]
View answerMy Department is engaging with representatives of the local government sector and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the financial challenges facing local authorities as a direct consequence of the pandemic, both in terms of additional costs incurred as part of the local government response and declines in local authority income streams. These matters are under active consideration.
To support both the local government sector and the business community, €600m has been allocated by Government, as part of the July Stimulus package, to fund the cost of a waiver of commercial rates for six months for eligible businesses badly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This will take the form of a credit in lieu of rates. Consideration will be given to any additional measures as part of Budget 2021 talks.
It is recognised that additional costs are being incurred by local authorities in relation to Covid-19. Local authorities have been advised to capture all related costs in their financial systems to aid financial analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on the local government sector. In order to support the sector generally, my Department continues to keep local authority income, expenditure and cash flow under review and will continue to work with all local authorities, both collectively and individually, on issues arising.
