DEBATE ON COUNTY COUNCIL BUDGET 2013 UNDERWAY

Date Published: 17-Dec-2012

Debate on the 2013 budget for County Galway is underway.

The draft budget for 2013 is 127 million euro - that equates to a 6 percent reduction on the 2012 adopted budget of 135 million euro.

County Manager Martina Maloney told councillors that the budget had been compiled recognising the difficulties experienced by businesses and households across the county.

With this in mind, there's no plan to increase commercial rates

However, it is being proposed to increased Commercial Water charges by 18 cent per cubic metre.

There's also a proposal to increase Waste Water charges by 19 cent.

Councillors gathered at the budget meeting heard that so far this year a futher 53 employees left county council and have not been replaced, bringing total reduction in numbers since 2008 to 336.

Martina Maloney added that due to limited funds the council was unable to make provision for any contingencies that might arise in 2013 - for example costs arising from severe weather events or unexpected incidents.

In terms of CAPITAL INVESTMENT the 2013 to 2015 plan involves the progression of the Gort to Tuam road.

In terms of the city outer bypass, work will continue to resolve legal issues while work is to be completed to facilitate the opening of Oranmore railway station.

The Council will also continue to work with Failte Ireland on the development of the tourism product including the Oughterard to Clifden greenway.