Sinn Féin Councillors to Challenge Budget

Sinn Féin Councillors to Challenge Budget


Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary has said the party will be challenging the council’s budget proposals in a range of areas when they come before tonight’s meeting.



Cllr O’Leary – who is also chair of the council’s finance committee – said:



“Councilors have now been notified that the council’s capital programme for 2012-2013 is under review and parts of it may be shelved due to reductions in government funding. This is an alarming development which has serious implications for the authority’s ability to deliver services in the future.”



“We are already facing cuts of up to €12 million in current expenditure, which will hit areas such as housing maintenance, road resurfacing, and the disabled person’s grant.”



“Sinn Féin has identified alternative areas where savings could be made, including expenditure on plant hire, fuel and the rent of office spaces around the city which are currently lying idle. Frontline services should be cut only when every other alternative has been exhausted, and I am not convinced the council has looked at all the other options for savings.”



“We will also be proposing that the Lord Mayors’ salary of €114,200 should be reduced to €35,000, and that there should be a moratorium on conference expenses. This would save €220,000 – but equally importantly it is a way for elected representatives to show leadership and demonstrate solidarity with those who are suffering hardship due to the current economic crisis.”



For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307