Adequate funding of councils is stressed

There were calls at last week’s meeting for adequate funding to be made available for local authorities to ensure they can continue to provide their services.

Cllr Marie Casserly and Cllr Thomas Healy both put forward motions seeking that measures be put in place by government to ensure the viability of councils who are likely to suffer major revenue shortfalls as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Casserly said it was important supports be given to ensure Sligo continues to progress and requested that the government give a firm commitment to local authorities across the country.

While the government has said the Exchequer will meet the estimated €260 million loss in rates councils will suffer, Cllr Thomas Healy believes the funding announced on May 2nd is not enough.

Though he acknowledged that the crisis has seriously reduced income levels, he told the meeting that the council cannot afford to reduce services or staff.

“The funding of €260m announced on 2nd May is very welcome but I am doubtful if it will be enough to cover the shortfall. We need to establish as a priority how much of this funding Sligo County Council will get and then we need to have the funds released to us immediately. It is still very unclear how the rates waiver/ refund scheme will work in practice and we also need to have a commitment that it will be extended if this health crisis goes on for longer.

“This funding is really intended to cover the loss of commercial rates but we need a recognition from Government that we are also suffering a reduction in other funding streams as well. To this end it may be worth considering asking the C.E.O to contact other Councils throughout the State in order to present a unified front on this issue. This is an unprecedented crisis,” concluded Cllr Healy,