A 5% increase to commercial rates so that €38m can be raised to build new civic offices in Monaghan is "wrong". That's according to Cllr Paudge Connolly who was one of four local representatives that voted against the move at a recently held council meeting.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr Connolly said there is no planning permission for the new build, no contractor appointed, and no price agreed and all that will happen is that associated costs will "balloon upwards".
He pointed out that will ultimately result in commercial rates being increased again - a move nobody wanted to see happening. Cllr Connolly added that Monaghan County Council has "enough office space" and with changing work practices and employment laws, the need for a new civic space is not there.
"We already have offices that are in very good shape. Monaghan County Council owns the town hall but I do admit that the rent we are paying to Metk is crazy.
"But we need to take a step back; it is never too late to do the right thing," Cllr Connolly added.
