Clare’s government representatives have been urged to fight for full council funding this year, as the row over payment of the household charge continues.
Fine Gael and Labour Oireachtas members said they were unable to make last evening’s special meeting of Clare County Council, but members have given them a week to come back with answers from Minister Phil Hogan as to why funds of a quarter of a million euro have been withheld.
68% of Clare home-owners have now paid the controversial 100 euro household charge, 3% higher than Minister Phil Hogan’s required compliance rate for councils, but the council has been told that 243,000 euro won’t be returned.
Kilrush Fianna Fail Councillor PJ Kelly says their meeting has sent out a clear message to local Oireachtas members and the Minister.
There was some criticism of Clare’s government representatives for failing to attend last evenings council meeting despite their apologies, and also questions as to why Fine Gael TDs assured the council that funds would be restored last July.
But Fine Gael Councillor Joe Cooney insisted his colleagues in government are fighting hard to get back the 243,000 euro cuts from Clare’s Council funds
+