Ryan wants funding for residential estates

LOCAL RESIDENTIAL estates in towns like Blarney and Macroom should be provided with new funding of over the next five years to tackle local issues under a new financing plan proposed by local Fianna Fáil candidate Bob Ryan.

The plan would essentially ring fence up to 10% of the total Property Tax paid in each estate or road for essential works that are required in each area.

Key local issues such as poor lighting, removing prominent graffiti, addressing potholes and road maintenance, tackling anti-social behaviour in alleyways, upkeep of green areas and upkeep of social housing in each estate would be identified as areas which would be tackled by this funding.

Mr Ryan, who is also the chairman of the Cork Co GAA Board, commented: “The scheme would enable local resident committees across Cork apply for funding to outline the key issues in their area which need to be tackled.

“In real terms, this would be a localised capital programme for residential estates similar to the Sports Capital Grant Scheme but at a local level. It would address problems which Resident Associations tackle or do not have funding for at the moment from Cork County Council.”

He said it would also empower these voluntary committees to develop and better their own areas rather than depending on the County Council.

“The basic premise of the plan is that the substantial Property Tax, which these estates will be paying in 2014, should be used to service the very areas it is collected from.”

However, funds from the Local Property Tax are disbursed from central government to local authorities. In 2014, only a small fraction of the tax collected in Co Cork were disbursed to the county council, as they were instead used to set up Irish Water.