DCC service cuts loom following Covid deficit

The CEO of Dublin City Council (DCC), Owen Keegan has said that revenue lost to Covid-19 could mean some services may have to be cut. 

Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Today with Claire Byrne programme, Keegan said that “Covid has resulted in additional expenditure” – while sources of revenue such as parking “have taken a hit”. 

According to the CEO, the council’s budget is expected to breakeven this year, but next year is “looking difficult as we expect to be short by around €40 million”. 

“DCC is currently lobbying central government for assistance to meet that deficit. If there is no assistance from government, services will have to be cut. It is unfortunate,” said Keegan 

Keegan further mentioned services such as park and street maintenance as those most likely to be at risk to funding cuts, along with community groups and events.  

Local Property Tax (LPT) will not rise for residents of Dublin City, despite DCC’s appeal to Councillors to increase this year’s rate to assist with the loss of revenue. 

The news follows DCC’s announcement of the resumption of clamping of Frontline workers’ vehicles. Back in March, frontline workers were made exempt from paying for parking near hospitals. 

This is no longer the case, as there has recently been an increase in demand for on-street parking, with some Dublin City residents unable to park near their homes. 

However, the council are still set to face record losses on the fronts of commercial rates, planning fees and rental income in a bleak forecast for the rest of the year.