The finance budget in Laois has swelled to €64 million, as an improving economy looks set to provide a greater income from commercial rates.
In addition to this, the recent vote to increase Local Property Tax (LPT) in Laois has also swelled the coffers.
“Vacant properties have become occupied,” said director of finance, Gerry Murphy.
“Trade is up and more properties are becoming occupied,” he said.
The LPT tax will bring in almost €500,000 more revenue for the council.
Housing will get a total of €10.5m for housing loans, grants and rent supports.
A further €2,702,000 will be spent on housing and building.
Council houses will be upgraded for fire safety, for a total of €211,000, to comply with new rent standards.
The homelessness budget is also up from €100,000 in 2017 to €210,000 in 2018.
Almost €15m will be spent on roads, road safety, paths, public lights and carparks .
Local roads get an extra €660k in government grants, almost half of which is for the revived Local Improvement Scheme.
In total, €80,000 will be spent upgrading Portlaoise and Portarlington leisure centres.
Fire stations
An additional €25,000 is going towards improvement works at the eight fire stations in the county.
There will also be an increase of €10,000 for books in libraries around the county.
The annual report states that commercial rates remain the “most important source of locally-generated income”.
A total of €13.04 has been budgeted for the coming year.
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