Funding for South Dublin City Council (SDCC) has been cut by €1 million next year over the revaluation of rates payable by utility firms, Sinn Fein has revealed.

In 2015, the rates bill for utilities in South Dublin was cut by €1.3m. Central government compensated the Council with €962,000 however they have confirmed they will not this in 2016.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Local Government Eoin Ó Broin TD described the situation as "deeply disappointing".

He said: "Last week at the Housing, Planning and Local Government Committee, I asked Minister Coveney whether there were any discussions between his Department and the Minister of Finance to repeat the 2016 payment of €16.65m to local authorities in 2017, including the €962k payment to South Dublin.

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"Minister Coveney stated that no such discussions were taking place and he didn't anticipate any such conversations.

"Unfortunately, Councils across the state will miss out on millions in revenue because of this decision. The shortfall will be made up through further cut-backs in the provision of Council services.

"The impact on South Dublin will be particularly severe and will hit vital front line services to the county. It is not yet known what services will be hit.

"As Minister with responsibility for Local Government, Minister Coveney should be advocating for the maximum level of funding for Councils in the run up to budget 2017."

(CD)