A former Mayor of Clare is urging the next representatives of Clare in Dáil Éireann to “start a conversation” around the funding of local authorities.
The outgoing head of Clare County Council has described the current funding model as “piecemeal” following the adoption of the Council’s almost €192 million budget for the coming year.
At first glance, there appears to be little to complain about as Clare’s elected councillors have agreed to adopt a Revenue Budget for 2025 of €191.9 million – an increase of €5.5 million on last year.
Many present at the special meeting at Áras Contae an Chláir have sounded their discontent with the level of funding the local authority receives however, with several accusations made that county councils are being treated by the Government as “the poor relation”.
A standout aspect of this year’s budget – and a welcome development for struggling local businesses – is that there will be no increase in commercial rates in the coming year.
Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling, whose tenure comes to an end next week, doesn’t think keeping rates at the same level will be tenable for long.
The 2025 budget has seen Housing and Building projected expenditure soar by €3.9 million from last year, while Road Transport and Safety expenditure is up by €1.8 million and Water Services expenditure is down by almost €1.5 million.
Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes insists rather than punishes traders by increasing commercial rates, more funding is needed from central government.
You can listen to the full interview here:
Addressing councillors at the meeting, Chief Executive Pat Dowling said “the additional services, infrastructure and the impact of inflation over the last Council term explains the challenges we have faced and will face over the term of the new Council”.
Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley says there doesn’t seem to be any consideration for local authority funding at a national level.
You can listen to the full interview here:
