David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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It was unfortunate that the revaluation of rates in a number of local authorities - South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and Waterford City and County Council - happened after Irish Water was established. The Valuation Office had no choice and had to value the water assets in those local authority areas. Waterford was given an allocation of €4.7 million, but when the allocation was based on population, that figure dropped to €1.3 million. It was a substantial cut in funding to the councils in question, and that is something of a sore point. There were winners and losers. Some local authorities gained substantially. There is an unfairness, given that the figures are locked in. Local authorities had that funding since 2013. Now they have to increase rates to make up the difference.

I am seeking more information on the matter and a justification as to why the Valuation Office used this process. It is generally used for large infrastructural utilities.