Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will conclude by referring to the Government supports to Longford since 2020. Across all schemes and funding sources, the Department provided €30.7 million in 2020, €48.5 million 2021, €36 million in 2022 and €52.9 million in 2023 to Longford County Council. Included in this is the unprecedented level of support provided by central government to local authorities during 2020 and 2021 in respect of the Covid-19 pandemic. A review of the LPT was completed by a working group in 2023 and the baseline for 2024 has been adjusted in accordance with the recommendation of this group. Furthermore, funding was secured to ensure that each local authority received a baseline increase of at least €1.5 million. As a result, Longford County Council's baseline increased from €8.9 million to €10.4 million in 2024.

On the Senator's specific question regarding the loss of commercial rates with the closure of Lough Ree power station, it should be noted that any allocation from the Local Government Fund can only be confirmed annually as part of the Estimates process. That said, it is intended that a similar allocation will be sought in the Estimates for 2025 and 2026.