COUNTY MANAGER IN PLEA TO HOUSEHOLDERS TO PAY UP TO PROTECT SERVICES

Date Published: 01-Aug-2012

Galway homeowners are being urged to play their part in protecting local services by paying the household charge.

The call is being made today by County Manager Martina Maloney after a number of key programmes have been put on hold in a bid to balance the budget.

It follows cuts of just over 3 million euro to the local government fund as a direct result of the 44 percent level of non-compliance with the household charge.

10 key programmes are now being withheld including the suspension of housing grants to older people and people with disabilities.

Grants will also be withheld for various community initiatives including burial ground maintenance and amenity grants.

There will also be a reduction in resources across a range of front-line services as well as cuts in areas such as fire services and tourism projects.

Martina Maloney says getting the 44 percent of non compliant householders to pay is the only way vital services can be protected throughout the county.