Breaking: Tipperary County Council has just voted to reduce local property tax by 10% to 2017 levels

A stormy discussion on Local Property Tax at Tipperary County Council has resulted in the members deciding to go against a proposal from CEO Mr Joe MacGrath to retain the LPT at the 2018 level.

Instead, a proposal from Cllr Martin Browne which was seconded by Cllr David Doran, won out on a 21 to 15 vote and means that the LPT will return to 2017 levels - or will mean a drop in income to the council of €1.18 million. The funds had been earmarked to help leisure centres including the ailing Canon Hayes Centre in Tipperary town, the libraries service and greenway proposals, amongst other projects.

The proposal from Cllr Michael Fitzgerald which was seconded by Cllr Louise McLoughlin had backed the plan put forward by Finance Officer Mr Liam McCarthy, on behalf of the CEO who pleaded with the members to retain the 2018 levels. "If we had not raised the LPT by 10% last year, we would be having a very different conversation today. Retaining the 2018 level is the right thing to do  and it is necessary," Mr MacGrath said.

There were angry exchanges across the floor of the council when Cllr Fitzgerald clashed with Cllr David Dunne and Cllr Seamus Morris, as Chairman Cllr Mattie Ryan fought to retain order which was eventually restored just before the vote was taken.

See this weeks Tipperary Star for more news on this breaking story and which projects will be affected.