Local councillors can increase or reduce local property tax, by up to 15 per cent, from the basic rate set nationally.

Shauna was 66/1 to win the competition yesterday morning however bookies now have the Leitrim woman at 10/1 to win the 64th Rose of Tralee.

Leitrim Rose Shauna Murtagh is the first Shannonside representative on stage later this evening as part of the 64th festival.

County planners are due to decide on the project by October.

All winners will receive €5,000 each to help fund the development of their facilities.

The awards which are now in their 17th year, will host a three day event taking place from Thursday 3rd October to Saturday 5th October.

Among the international Roses competing this year are Megan Cahill from Chicago and Ciara O'Sullivan from Dubai.

It gets under way at 10 o'clock this morning in McGowan's Field and Reynolds Topline Community and Sports Hub.