The local property tax rate is to remain unchanged in Co Roscommon, after councillors voted this week to maintain the current local property tax rate.

Under the law, local authorities can reduce or increase the property tax by up to 15%.

At Monday’s meeting, Roscommon County Council voted to maintain the current rate.

Councillors in Sligo also voted by 14 to 3 this week to maintain the current Local Property Tac rate.

The Department of Local Government had said money would be made available to maintain the Co Sligo library service if councillors agreed to a 15% increase in the local property tax, but this was rejected by a majority of councillors.

The future of the county’s libraries remains unclear, following the decision.

Earlier this month, Sligo County Council warned that one, or possibly two of the countie’s libraries may have to close permanently, as there are not enough staff to operate the libraries in Sligo town, Tubbercurry and Ballymote.

The council is under pressure from the Department to shed more staff.

Council staff levels in Sligo have been reduced by 37% , but under the financial plan imposed on the council, a total reduction of 42% is required.

The future of the county’s library services led to angry exchanges in the Dail last night, with FF TD Marc McSharry and Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny questioned the Minister for Local Government Simon Coveney on the situation which has, most recently, led to the temporary closure of the Central Library in Sligo town.