John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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As Ms Tallon is no doubt aware, an amalgamation of city and county councils in Waterford is ongoing. I want to make a case that myself and others have made with regard to rateable town council areas, in my case, Dungarvan, and raise a factual situation that is problematic. When Dungarvan Town Council is compared to the city and county councils, the two other rateable local authorities, the rates are much lower. It is well run and has been well run for many years. The administration of the local authority has done very well. It has been effective with regard to its rate base and its commercial rate figures but it is now facing a potential equalisation of rates in the city and county councils, and it appears Dungarvan has the potential to increase its commercial rates. It is worth thinking about that. We raised that issue in different forums when this local government document was announced but we did not get much of an answer. I got the impression that people had not thought about those town councils that had a low commercial rate number and because of the amalgamation the effective result would be that their rates would increase. In some cases these town councils, and other Deputies have given examples from their constituencies, were well run and well administered. It resulted in lower rates in that particular local authority. It would be worthwhile for the Department to consider the effect of amalgamation and a difference in the scheme when it comes to the collection of commercial rates by local authorities. It must be considered because efficiency will not be rewarded if those commercial rates go up. Is that something the Department has thought about?