Historic €204 million Clare budget to focus on accelerating housing delivery

Clare County Councillors have officially adopted the local authority’s largest-ever revenue budget, committing over €200 million to strengthening local services, accelerating housing delivery, increasing investment in critical infrastructure and driving economic growth.

Over half of the €204 million Revenue Budget will be invested in housing, roads, infrastructure and water services in 2026.

In recommending the Draft Budget to the council members, Chief Executive Gordon Daly said, “Our foremost priorities for 2026 are clear - to accelerate all forms of housing delivery and to increase investment in critical infrastructure across the county. In addition to maintaining high quality local services, facilities and amenities, an additional €1 million will be provided for road infrastructure in 2026, with a further half a million euro prioritised for housing activation and an additional half a million euro added to the Housing Grants for the Elderly in 2026.

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“This is an ambitious and well considered budget that has been developed to support the council’s objectives. Clare County Council remains well positioned to deliver on its mandate - providing housing, infrastructure and local services, and fostering sustainable growth for the benefit of all communities," he added. 

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, said, “Maintaining and enhancing public services is essential for all of us who live, work, visit and invest in this county. From new infrastructure projects such as the Brian Boru Bridge to local playground facilities, and services that include everything from the fire service to the library services, as well as supports for the creative arts and industry, elderly care supports and recreational health, Clare County Council impacts all of our lives on a daily basis, therefore a properly resourced local authority benefits us all. I am pleased that the council members have therefore adopted such an ambitious yet prudent budget.”

Addressing the Special Council Budget Meeting, Director of Finance, Investment and Enterprise, Noeleen Fitzgerald explained, “Working in this period of escalating costs it was necessary to generate more income and reduce expenditure. The Draft Budget is therefore a balance of efficiencies across expenditure lines and the generation of an additional income of €3.5million.

“While the need for investment in roads infrastructure and housing activation was considered at length in drawing up this budget there was also a strong resolve not to pass on any significant increases to the SME (Small Medium Enterprise) business community.  The commercial rates increase therefore will deliver additional income of approximately €2m from the energy and utilities sector. The remaining €1.5 million will come from the remaining circa 4,000 commercial rates customers. This will increase one-third of ratepayers’ rates by an average of €1.28 per week, while over half of all customers will be impacted by €3 or less per week," she concluded. 

SMEs will also be able to avail of the 5% Small and Medium Enterprise Scheme, with the Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme and the Hospitality Grant Scheme also available to rate payers.

The full 2026 Revenue Budget for Clare County Council will be available to view online here.