City Cllrs advised not to discuss Property Tax

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A proposal to allow Galway City Council to debate local property tax and the implications of any future proposed changes has been defeated. The proposal from Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Crowe was supported by eight members but voted down by 10. The matter was part of the agenda at a special meeting in City Hall this afternoon. However Finance Director Edel McCormack advised members that discussing the LPT might prejudice the current public consultation process which is now underway and continues until August 18th. She reminded members that they are obliged to follow the statutory process. Ms McCormack said discussion will be facilitated at a special meeting in September where members will be given the financial position of the local authority, expected projections, feedback from the public consultation process and the financial impact. Sinn Fein Cllrs Anna Marley and Mairead Farrell and Independent Cllr Catherine Connolly were some of those to strongly argue that the matter be discussed. Fianna Fail Cllr Peter Keane also stated that nothing in the legislation prevents the council from signalling its intent. Fine Gael Cllr Pearce Flannery argued that it was premature to discuss it without taking account of the public submissions. The meeting continues at City Hall.