The employers' group IBEC has called on the Minister for the Environment, Martin Cullen, to carry out an urgent review of local government funding.
Local authorities currently spend €7 billion per annum but IBEC argues that the mechanism by which the sum is raised is inefficient, inequitable and unsustainable.
The group contends that the business community is seen as a 'soft touch' as it is asked to bear an ever-rising share of the cost.
