A former mayor of Clare is defending councillor’s decision to cut community funding rather than raise commercial rates in next year’s budget.
It comes as the local authority’s expenditure is projected to reach nearly €152m in 2023.
In a meeting last Friday, Clare County Councillors approved a record level of spending for the local authority’s budget for 2023.
The council’s expenditure is projected to total €151.9m next year, an increase of €13m on the €138.6m allocated in Budget 2022.
The budget was formulated on the basis that commercial rates would not be raised, in light of the 3.8% increase imposed this year.
However, this has led to a reduction in the General Municipal Allowance for districts by €264,000 and a 20% cut in community funding.
Former Mayor of Clare, PJ Ryan, insists the right decision was made and that businesses needed a break this year given the current economic climate.
Cratloe Independent Councillor PJ Ryan, says that the funding that’s been cut in the budget, will be supplemented by new state funding schemes.
Listen back to the full interview here:
Kilkee Fianna Fail Councillor Cillian Murphy says it’s inappropriate to cut community funding and the GMA.
