Five per cent rates rise in Roscommon
Commercial rates will rise by 5% in 2025 across Roscommon.
Roscommon County Council today approved an €80 million budget for 2025, along with a €530 million capital investment programme.
The budget of €80 million marks the first budget under the new Council term, reflecting a €4 million (5.6%) increase, designed to support a wide range of services and initiatives for the County in 2025.
The budget includes a 5% increase in commercial rates income, the first increase implemented in over 15 years. The rate increase is being ringfenced to fund the development and delivery of strategic projects.
Among these important projects are the delivery of improved services, an attractive and modern public realm, better multi activity sport and recreational facilities and cultural offerings with the aim to continue to enhance the county as an appealing place to live and work in.
The budget incorporates an ambitious three-year capital investment programme, projected at €530 million, with 50% allocated to roads and transportation. The capital investment programme is structured to build on the county's growing population and workforce.
In 2025 towns such as Strokestown, Monksland, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen will see the commencement of capital projects. These projects will include public realm initiatives, while design work for Roscommon Town, Hodson Bay and Lough Key Forest Park projects will continue.
Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council welcomed both the 2025 budget and the capital investment programme, remarking: “The capital programme demonstrates the council’s ambition and drive for projects to continue to develop and enhance our county of Roscommon.
"It provides the groundwork for comprehensive planning for significant capital projects ongoing across the whole county. This programme is exciting for the towns and villages of the county. It focuses on the development of roads, housing, incentives, recreation and amenities, to enhance Roscommon as a place to live, work and successfully develop businesses in.
"Roscommon has seen the successful delivery of investments in the past five years, and I am optimistic as I look forward to the future developments in Roscommon,” remarked Cllr Fitzmaurice.
Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive of the Council, said: "Roscommon County Council remains a leader in driving the county's growth, with its forward-thinking approach, responding effectively to challenges and embracing at pace expansion and excellent delivery of services.
“Roscommon County Council’s key priority to develop and implement an ambitious strategic capital investment plan is crucial to continue to seek significant opportunities to secure funding for important projects in the coming years across all sectors,” said Mr. Tiernan.