One Million Euro in Extra Funding for Sligo Co Council

The Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD has announced another €1m in funding from central government to Sligo Co Council as they prepare for their Annual Budget meeting on Thursday next January 9 which is expected to be deferred following the death this week of Cllr Gerry Murray.

Local Fine Gael TD, Tony McLoughlin held discussions with Minister Hogan prior to the Christmas break and following the original allocation of funding for Sligo Co Council of almost €9m which was announced on December 13.

Deputy McLoughlin outlined to Mr Hogan the need for the Dept. of Environment, Community and Local Government and the Local Authority to formulate a 5 year plan which will attempt to bring Sligo Co Council back from its precarious financial position. This will require a significant savings plan with a financial input from central Government.

This week Councillors met with the new Manager Mr Ciaran Hayes with Deputy McLoughlin having a 2 hour meeting on Friday last. The financial position of the Council and a resolution was top of the agenda along with other important development issues for Co Sligo.

“I am very pleased to be able to announce this extra €1m from Central Government and I am confidentthis funding will ease the pressure on members and Executive in completing the budgetary process for 2014”

“ The combination of the appointment of a new Co Manager, local elections in May and the new Local Government Bill with its organisational reform presents a perfect opportunity to formulate a financial plan to tackle the outstanding financial deficit and allow our local authority to concentrate on the  delivery of  services and encourage investment locally” concluded Tony McLoughlin.

I am very pleased to be able to announce this extra €1m from Central Government and I am confidentthis funding will ease the pressure on members and Executive in completing the budgetary process for 2014 - Tony McLoughlin