Laois County Council’s Budget 2025 has been formally ratified this week, with close to €124 million to go around.
This is an increase of 9% from last year, and was unanimously described as a “positive budget” by each councillor.
€114 million was allocated in Budget 2024, however, the final figure spent that will be over €118 million by the end of the year.
The bulk of this overrun was €3.1 million to cover the increased cost of business grants.
Mr Simon Walton, Interim Chief Executive of the Council, said he felt the budget will “continue to enhance life in County Laois.”
Mr Walton identified housing as one of the main areas of focus for the council in the budget, and also highlighted the decision to not increase commercial rates.
The sources for the funding include:
- €70.6 million (57%) from Government grants;
- €26 million (21%) from local goods and services provided by Laois County Council;
- €15 (12%) from commercial rates;
- €12.4 million (10%) from local property tax.
The budget was presented by Acting Director of Finance, Ms Julie Bergin, who has taken over responsibilities from the long-serving Mr Gerry Murphy.
The breakdown of the figures from Budget 2025 are as follows:
Housing and Building – €38,410,069 – up €5,785,175 (15%) on 2024.
Road Transport and Safety – €31,127,788 – down €194,205 (0.6%) on 2024.
Environmental Services – €13,923,450 – up €668,974 (4.8%) from 2024.
Development Management – €13,528,716 – up €1,164,032 (8.6%) from 2024.
Miscellaneous Services – €12,497,124 – up €547,818 (4.4%) from 2024.
Recreation and Amenity – €8,535,636 – up €1,900,224 (22%) from 2024.
Water Services – €4,742,175 – up €71,396 (1.5%) from 2024.
Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare – €928,374 – down €113,084 (12%) from 2024.
Total – €123,693,332.
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