IT was revealed this week that Limerick City Council has acquired 196 private houses at a cost of €32million, (fully recouped from central funds), which will be incorporated into the regeneration project. In relation to the legal ownership of these new housing units, clty manager Tom Mackey says that the properties have been vested in the name of Limerick City Council.
Meanwhile, a total of 285 houses have been demolished to-date, as part of the Limerick Regeneration programme, and a further 342 are earmarked.
With regard to the commercial water rates, the council achieved an increase of 7% on the collection yield to 69%, which, it states, is far from satisfactory.
It was pointed out it was essential that collection procedures be improved in this area, including recourse to legal proceedings.
Stressing the importance of collecting monies due to the council on a timely basis, the city manager says that such a collection effort has become more difficult due to the impact of the economic downturn on the cash flow position of ratepayers and other customers.
“This downturn has also resulted in significant vacancy of commercial properties in the Limerick area, but every collection effort is being made to ensure that percentages are maximised, which includes commencement of legal proceedings and, in certain circumstances, discontinuation of service”.
