Hot debate of Macroom/ Blarney town funding

THE Town Development Fund (TDF) was the hot topic of debate at the Blarney Macroom municipal district meeting.

Cllr Bob Ryan (FF) asked if it was at all possible that the TDF for 2017 be put on the agenda in early January. It was his view that by having it placed on the agenda earlier would lead to a far more open discussion on potential funding for the year ahead.

Cllr Des Ryan (SF) was in agreement and it was his view that the whole town development fund process left “a lot to be desired.”

He said the process underpinning the TDF was “not one of engagement.”

The purpose of the TDF is to provide a specific level of funding to Municipal Districts for the purpose of supporting initiatives which are targeted at assisting with the economic development of the main towns within the municipal district. It must be noted that the TDF is additional to the general funding for services delivered by the council through both the MD and central services. It is also in addition to and separate from the general municipal allocation to MD from the pay parking dividend which is to be distributed to towns/urban centres in MD which have pay parking systems in place.

In certain circumstances and as might be decided at MD level, the TDF may be supplemented by the pay parking dividend funding and any unallocated funding available from the General Municipal Allocation (GMA) to support initiatives that are specifically related to supporting town development.

Over the life of the council from 2014-2019, this will provide a fund of €5 million directly to MDs for visible and effective interventions to support town development.

Chairing the meeting, Cllr Michael Creed (FG) said any money which was taken out of the TDF, the director of services, Maurice Manning “strongly objected to it.”

Mr Manning said he too would be in favour of putting the agenda on the table in early January for next year.

He pointed out that Christmas lights and parades are being funded by the TDF. Cllr Kevin Conway (Ind) felt a motion on the topic was needed. He described the workings of the TDF as being “wrong”

However, Cllr Creed pointed out that the TDF for this year has been agreed on and there is “nothing further” anyone can do about it.