In order to support ratepayers, and in recognition of the impacts of COVID 19 and the associated public health restrictions, the Government put in place a commercial rates waiver in 2020 and recouped €729m to local authorities in respect of its cost. €4.66m of this was recouped to Offaly County Council. A further €1.3m was allocated to Offaly County Council in respect of the unforeseen costs and income losses it incurred as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A more targeted rates waiver, with an estimated cost of €480m, was put in place for the first nine months of 2021. This waiver ended on 30 September and has been followed by a limited waiver scheme, targeting certain sectors that may need further support. This quarter 4 waiver is supported by an allocation of €62.3m announced as part of Budget 2022. As regards other supports for 2021 and 2022, my Department will liase with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.