Budget Meeting Minutes
Minutes of Annual Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 27th November, 2017 At 9.30 a.m in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker,
- Councillor Bree,
- Councillor Casserly,
- Councillor Clarke,
- Councillor Gormley,
- Councillor Healy,
- Councillor Henry,
- Councillor Keaney,
- Councillor Kilgannon,
- Councillor Lundy,
- Councillor Maguire,
- Councillor MacManus,
- Councillor MacSharry,
- Councillor Mulvey,
- Councillor O’Boyle,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Councillor Queenan,
- Councillor Taylor.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Ciáran Hayes, Chief Executive
- Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
- Ms. Patricia Guckian, Financial Accountant
- Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
- Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
- Mr. John Reilly, Head of Enterprise, L.E.O.
- Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Mr. Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
- Mr. Michael Ryan, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
- Mr. John Moran, S.E.O.
- Mr. Seán Martin, A/Senior Architect
- Ms. Caroline McManus, Senior Staff Officer
- Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meeting Administrator
- Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Séamus Kilgannon presided.
2018 DRAFT BUDGET:
The Cathaoirleach welcomed Members to the Meeting to consider the Chief Executive’s Draft Budget for the local financial year ending on 31st December, 2018.
It was then proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That no further motion be voted on by the Council until such time as the entire budget has been considered in detail”.
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That all motions seeking an increase in expenditure or a reduction in income under any heading must either show a corresponding decrease in expenditure or an increase in realisable income”.
The Chief Executive advised the Meeting, that to put the next year’s Budget into context, the County Council was concluding its third year with a revenue surplus.
The Members were advised that the Council was also on the cusp of major infrastructural investment and details regarding the following Schemes were outlined:
- Water and wastewater network in Sligo town,
- Bundle Scheme for Grange, Strandhill, Tubbercurry and Ballinafad which had been announced as signed and ready to go.
- Notification had also been received for a 2.7 km. replacement network on the N15.
- N4, Collooney-Castlebaldwin Project, at a cost of over €100 million, expected to commence at the end of 2018 and the Council is in the process of going to Tender.
- The refurbishment of O’Connell Street, at a cost of €2 million, to commence in 2018.
- Social Housing Schemes in the region of €40 million, half of which would be in respect of Cranmore.
The Chief Executive took the opportunity to acknowledge the work of staff and Members for their role in getting the schemes and projects to that point. The legacy issues of the previous three and a half years were also referred to.
The Meeting was advised by the Chief Executive that the Bill of Costs in relation to the Lissadell Case had been received. The Council was now entering the last stage of the process and this would bring closure to difficult issues which had impacted on Sligo. It was hoped that this would be concluded late in 2018 or early 2019. This matter was being brought to the Members’ attention and they were advised that they would be provided with as much information as possible. Legal advice had been sought and a comprehensive report would be brought to the Members at a later point. The Bill of Costs, as submitted at that point, indicated a liability of €3.68 million on Sligo County Council. It was likely that this would change but would not increase. That sum was the maximum exposure to the Council. The Bill of Costs runs to 600 pages and is a complex and specialist area.
Both sides have retained a Cost Drawer who will enter into negotiations regarding the Bill of Costs. If an agreement is not reached then there is the option of the Taxing Master The process will be lengthy and the Members were advised that they would be updated on the progress as it evolved. It was again highlighted that it would be late 2018 or early 2019 at the earliest before a final determination could be made as to the cost.
With regard to payment of the costs, the members were advised that it will come from two sources – a) monies owed by the Department to Sligo County Council which the Chief Executive indicated he was continuing to pursue with the Department and b) from I.P.B.’s Retained Earnings Distribution.
With regard to the Budget for 2018, the Chief Executive said that the Council was coming to the end of a third year of a revenue surplus. A surplus was again proposed for 2018. A debt of gratitude was owed to the staff and Members for the changed financial situation of Sligo County Council. Separately, he is looking to position Sligo to take advantage of the anticipated growth in tourism, where an anticipated 100,000 jobs are expected nationally over the next ten years. Furthermore, Sligo is also now on the cusp of a €150m investment in infrastructure in Roads, Water Services and Housing.
In regard to revenue collection, the Chief Executive advised that the rate collection increased from 59% in 2013 to 76% in 2016.
INTRODUCTION BY HEAD OF FINANCE:
The Head of Finance referred to details set out in her report to the Members on page 4 of the Draft Budget 2018. This report included details on the Budget format and layout, Financial Plan, Overall Summary, the main changes included in 2018 Draft Budget, Division C (Water Budget), Rates and current financial position.
RATE COLLECTION/ REFUNDS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“Noting that rates are payable on all commercial property we call on the Council Executive (a) to collect the rates in respect of all commercial property in Sligo; (b) to prepare a draft Refund Scheme which will allow the Council, at its discretion to refund a proportion of the rates on vacant properties; (c) to include a sum of €500,000 as additional income from commercial rates in the Budget for 2018; (d) to introduce a Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme to promote job creation and employment in Sligo”.
The Head of Finance and Chief Executive clarified the situation in relation to the implications of the above proposal, if passed. This proposal would also require the recruitment of additional staff or diverting existing staff from current collection of rates. It was further noted that it had been the case that Sligo had one of the worst collection rates in 2013, but the percentage collections had improved significantly.
DIVISION A: HOUSING & BUILDING
Division A, Housing & Building
Mr. B. Gavin, A/D.O.S. outlined details of the following proposals in this Division:
- 28 Units in a Scheme on Knappagh Road, Sligo
- 79 Units in Schemes at Rosses Point road & Collooney
- 8 Units at Cuan Íosa, Ballymote
- Proposals re. long term derelict units outside of voids
- Approval for 12 units where it had not been possible to get Tenants for them in hard to let areas
- Acquisition of 56 units over the last three years
- 16 units where sales have been closed
- H.A.P. 465 Tenancies
- 275 offers of accommodation
- Resettlement of 20 Refugees (7 resettled to date).
Members referred to the work carried out by the Housing staff in difficult circumstances. In acknowledging their comments, the Director of Services thanked the Members for their compliments in respect of the Housing team.
Mr. Gavin replied to queries raised by Members arising from the details given above. In particular, further information was outlined regarding
a) Matching funding of 20% for grant assistance.
b) Allocation of emergency resources.
c) Renewal of contracts with R.A.S. Landlords/H.A.P. Tenancies.
d) Housing developments at Strandhill, Maugheraboy and Connolly Park (Tubbercurry).
e) Promotion of repair and lease scheme and
f) Fr. O’Flanagan Terrace development.
DIVISION B: ROADS TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY:
Division B, Roads Transportation & Safety
Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services drew the Members’ attention to pages 56 to 58 of the the Draft Budget 2018. This set out the details of proposed expenditure and income for the year in respect of Road Transportation and safety.
The Members were advised that approval had been received for the appointment of maintenance staff recruited in 2016. These posts were in the process of being regularised, having received the Departmental approval.
The Council had also taken delivery of a new velocity patching unit which would help with pothole repairs.
In relation to Capital projects, the Director of Services outlined details regarding the following Schemes:
- N4 Collooney-Castlebaldwin,
- N16 route selection
- N4-N15 Hughes’ Bridge (northwards)
- N59 Corhownagh-Lugnadeffa
- Management of alien plant species
- Suspended Scheme on N17
- Garavogue bridge
- Burton Street link
- Markievicz footbridge.
Further details regarding the above matters were raised by the Members and clarified by the Director of Services.
DIVISION C WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES:
In relation to Division C – Water Services (Pages 61 and 62 of the draft Budget 2018), the Members were advised that the Council Executive is in discussion with Irish Water in relation to staffing and budgets. Irish Water seeking a 3% reduction in both. The staffing head count had been agreed in 2016. This allowed for the regulation of posts in Water Services with the filling of 15 posts
on a permanent basis. A team of seven employees had been recruited in 2016 on a “find and fix” pro-active leak detection programme. This had been progressing well in the previous weeks, having started in three areas – Maugherow, Grange and Mullaghmore. 120 cubic metres per day had been detected due to leaks, unauthorised connections and leaking troughs.
In relation to the Capital aspect of this Division, the Director of Services outlined details in relation to the following schemes:
- Lough Talt Regional Water Supply Scheme
- Sligo and Environs Scheme
- Sligo and Environs Water Supply – Foxes’ Den
- Bundle Scheme for Tubbercurry, Strandhill, Grange and Ballinafad
- Ballincar-Cregg-Rosses Point
- Ballymote, Collooney and Ballinacarrow
- Mullaghmore Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Kilsellagh-Ballinode
- Calry.
In reply to further queries from Members, the Senior Engineer and Director of Services clarified matters raised.
ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:
The Meeting adjourned at 12.35 p.m. and resumed at 1.10 p.m.
DIVISION D: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services referred to the areas covered under Division D – Development Management.
Members noted that work had now commenced on the Sligo and Environs Local Area Plan for the next six years and referred to details set out on page 64 of the draft Budget.
Among those areas covered in Division D by the Director of Services were
D01 – Forward Planning,
D02 – Development Management,
D03 – Enforcement, Community and Economic Development
D04, D05, D06 and D09, including Local Enterprise Office,
D11 Heritage and Conservation Services.
Other areas of work involved in this Division were discussed including:
- capital funding for town and village works,
- R.E.D.Z.
- Slish Wood Euro Velo route and various outdoor recreational schemes.
- continued investment in tourism projects with Fáilte Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Other funding towards projects dealing with signage, Sligo Airport, Ireland West Airport Knock, South Sligo Tourism Co-Op, the diaspora and genealogy were highlighted.
- A 2017 campaign in the U.K. market had seen an increase in visitors coming to the area because of the Wild Atlantic Way, the meeting was advised.
- D06 – funding for the L.C.D.C.,
- Role of S.I.C.A.P., LEADER, Rapid Programme, P.P.N., Volunteer Centre and completion of E.V.C. 2017 (European Volunteering Capital).
- D09 Local Enterprise Office operation – as per 2017 there was a Service Level Agreement between the County Council and Enterprise Ireland.
- Other funding referred to by the Director of Services was the Council’s contributions to Town Twinning, North West Regional Authority, I.C.B.A.N., A.I.L.G. and L.A.M.A.
Ms. Clarke replied to queries regarding
- the development of a tourism strategy or plan and how it would progress. The Meeting was advised that 69 submissions had been received. “First Western” would be going through those with the overall views and objectives therein to be incorporated in the body of their report.
- Coolaney Mountain Biking project noting that advance works had commenced.
- Greenway proposal where work is ongoing with Leitrim and Fermanagh Councils with the bulk of the route in Leitrim and Sligo. Leitrim had taken the lead on the project with a need to firm up on ownership or permissive access.
- Sligo Co-Op Greenway – A Feasibility Study had been applied for with the intention that it would be carried out in 2018.
- Plebiscite to change the name of Inishcrone to Enniscrone. The Heritage Officer was liaising with those involved to bring this matter to the Heritage Forum. In reply to a query raised, no additional funding had been included for this item and it would, therefore, have to be done within exiting budgets.
- Salary increases in areas D06 and D09 were clarified.
- Unfinished housing estates – an up to date report would be provided from the Planning Office in regard to the details sought by the Members.
- Peace IV shared space – Stephen Street car park. A proposal was being worked on to go to Tender for the development and installation of a shared space (cantilever/performance space on one side of Stephen Street car park). Funding had been received from Fáilte Ireland to examine Stephen Street car park as the location for a plaza for Sligo town. The timeframe for completion was before the end of 2019.
- Anonymous complaints – these were dealt with, depending on the merits of the complaint.
- LEADER draw down of funding had been approved. The County Council could not apply for LEADER funding. There is an allocation of 3% to the local authority or financial partner for carrying out Article 48 checks.
- In relation to a query regarding the increase in contributions to N.W.R.A. and L.A.M.A., the Head of Finance and Chief Executive confirmed that these increases had been sought from all local authorities.
- The Head of Enterprise updated Members on the current situation in relation to the Aurivo building. Mr. Reilly thanked the Elected Members who had worked closely with him on the project and was hopeful that the development would happen.
DIVISION E – ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES:
Division E – Environmental Services
Mr. Kilfeather drew the Members’ attention to details set out on pages 84-86 of the draft Budget book and outlined details in relation to the Division.
Among the areas referred to were
- Recruitment of two full time Litter Wardens,
- Recruitment of Environmental Awareness Officer
- Extension of Sligo Cemetery
- Cemeteries in Ahamlish, Rosses Point and Mount Irwin,
- Review of pay for Beach Guards and Beach Warden Service in Strandhill
- Inclusion of Strandhill in Bathing Waters sampling since 2017 and
- One additional Officer to be recruited to Sligo Fire Service.
In relation to Sligo Cemetery, the Members were advised that it was hoped to bring a Part 8 regarding the extension of Sligo Cemetery to the December Meeting. Among the proposals there were the provision of a columbarium early in 2018, 100 double plots and a Muslim burial area.
In reply to queries, Mr. Kilfeather clarified the current situation in relation to Rosses Point and Ahamlish Cemeteries, Street cleaning, Beach Warden service in Strandhill, climate change, air pollution and Casual Trading bye-laws.
DIVISION F: RECREATION & AMENITY
Division F – Recreation and Amenity
The Director of Services highlighted the areas dealt with under this Division. Among those referred to were the Library Services, Community and Voluntary grant scheme, the Film Investment Fund and the Arts Programme.
In reply to a query concerning Stephen Street Plaza, Ms. Clarke advised the meeting that the matter had been brought before the Members previously and had been included in the monthly Management Reports. A letter of offer had been received recently from Fáilte Ireland. As Stephen Street car park had been used for performances and concerts, an application was submitted to Fáilte Ireland for Feasibility Study funding to develop that area further. Sligo County Council had received an offer of €60,000, based on matched funding, over two years. The proposal is in its infancy and a formal proposal would be brought to the Council with the project having to be completed within an 18 month timescale.
The Director of Services added that, at present, this was an aspiration or concept. The funding received was to develop that concept into a fully fledged project that could go forward.
In relation to funding for the Coleman Traditional Festival and Old Fair Day in Tubbercurry, the criteria for various types of grants was outlined and it was noted that the Coleman Festival might be more appropriate for the Community and Voluntary grants scheme area, subject to an application being made.
Playground maintenance was discussed with the Members noting that, with the Council being responsible for four playgrounds across the county; it was not intended to take over responsibility for any further. It was also not feasible to pay insurance costs for those additional grounds.
In relation to Library fines, it was noted by the County Librarian that this remains a crude system that can be a deterrent to people coming back to the Library. Sligo County Council had signed up to a national management system with generic fines. In a true year, the income from fines would be in the region of €5,000. The sum of €2,900 reflected the rolling closures which had taken place.
DIVISION G: AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELFARE
Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services referred to pages 107 and 108 of the draft Budget book.
Details were provided to the Meeting in relation to
G02 – Operation and maintenance of Piers and Harbour
G04 – Veterinary Service
The Director of Services further clarified matters raised by the Members under the various headings in this Division.
DIVISION H: MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
Mr. John Moran, S.E.O. referred to the sections within this Division, as listed on pages 110 and 111 –
H04 – Franchise costs
H09 – Local Representation and Civic Leadership
J02 – Corporate Services
In reply to a query raised earlier in the meeting regarding fees paid to the various Bodies and repayment of principal on loans from 2018, details and figures were outlined to the Meeting by the Head of Finance.
Councillor Clarke enquired as to the Council’s responsibility in relation to Coroner’s Fees. The Chief Executive confirmed that the local authority is still responsible and it is a Statutory responsibility. It is also a cost that was difficult to estimate on a year to year basis.
In noting that Corporate Services was one of the areas in the Division, Councillor O’Grady said she wished to acknowledge the support of the staff in Corporate Services and this was agreed by the Members.
PRESENTATION ON RATES HARMONISATION:
The Head of Finance gave a detailed presentation on the subject of the harmonisation of rates. The Members were asked to consider completing the harmonisation process for 2018 with an overall neutral value of .23 as per the Budget book.
The Chief Executive said that he was making a strong appeal to carry out the rates harmonisation in ‘one fell swoop’. It was what was required from an administrative point of view, the impact would be miniscule and he strongly recommended the Members’ agreement.
The Meeting adjourned at 4.00 p.m. for the Members to consider this matter. When it resumed at 4.35 p.m., the Cathaoirleach indicated that it had been agreed.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“Noting that rates are payable on all commercial property we call on the Council Executive (a) to collect the rates in respect of all commercial property in Sligo; (b) to prepare a draft Refund Scheme which will allow the Council, at its discretion to refund a proportion of the rates on vacant properties; (c) to include a sum of €500,000 as additional income from commercial rates in the Budget for 2018; (d) to introduce a Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme to promote job creation and employment in Sligo”.
The Head of Finance outlined the difficulties with the above proposal and, following a lengthy discussion, an amendment was put forward.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“That 75% of Rates collected from vacant commercial properties be retained by the Council”.
A vote was called which resulted as follows:
FOR: Councillor Bree and Councillor O’Boyle (2)
AGAINST: Councillor Baker, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Henry, Councillor Keaney, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor Lundy, Councillor Maguire, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor O’Grady, Councillor Queenan and Councillor Taylor (13)
ABSTAINED: Councillor Healy and Councillor MacManus (2)
The Cathaoirleach deemed the motion lost.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARTS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry
AND AGREED
“Increase F0502 Contribution to the Arts by €12,000 funded from D0905 (Page 76) being reduced by €12,000”.
It was clarified that heading D0905 referred to “Economic Development and Promotion”.
INCREASE IN FUND FOR HOUSING GRANT PAYMENTS:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
“Increase Section A0904 by €50,000 funded from Planning fees Income by €10,000 (Page 77) Sale of Property + €20,000, Statutory Plans and policy (D0101 - €10,000) and H0303 Refunds and Rates + €10,000”.
It was clarified that “A0904” referred to Housing grant payments.
A vote was called which resulted as follows:
FOR: Councillor Baker, Councillor Bree, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Healy, Councillor Henry, Councillor Keaney, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor Lundy, Councillor Maguire, Councillor MacManus, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor O’Boyle, Councillor O’Grady, Councillor Queenan and Councillor Taylor (16)
AGAINST: (0)
ABSTAINED: Councillor Casserly (1)
The Cathaoirleach deemed the motion carried.
INCREASE IN LIBRARY BOOK FUND:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire
AND AGREED:
“Increase Library Book Fund F0204 by €5,000 funded from H0303 Refunds and Rates”.
ADOPTION OF BUDGET:
Having considered the Draft Budget the Cathaoirleach requested that a motion be placed before the Members;
Therefore it was
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December, 2018 as submitted by the Chief Executive, and as amended at this Meeting, as set out in Tables A, B & C of the said Budget”.
FOR: Councillor Baker, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Henry, Councillor Keaney, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor Lundy, Councillor Maguire, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor O’Grady, Councillor Queenan and Councillor Taylor (12)
AGAINST: Councillor Bree, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Healy, Councillor MacManus and Councillor O’Boyle (5)
The Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.
HARMONISATION OF RATES:
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December 2018, as adopted at this meeting, the rateable valuation multiplier to be levied for the purposes specified in such budgets as set out in tables B and C for the financial year 2018. The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €.23”.
CATHAOIRLEACH’S ALLOWANCE:
Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €20,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2018. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo”.
MAYOR OF SLIGO MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ALLOWANCE:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That the allowance for the Mayor of the Sligo Municipal District be fixed at €12,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2018. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Mayor within the Municipal District”.
CATHAOIRLEACH OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ALLOWANCE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach of the Tubbercurry-Ballymote Municipal District and the Chairperson of each Strategic Policy Committee be fixed at €6,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2018. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred”.
LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH’S ALLOWANCE:
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That the allowance for the Leas Cathaoirleach be fixed at €4,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2018. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas Cathaoirleach within County Sligo”.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT:
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“To note the Chief Executive’s Report on the proposed three year Capital Programme 2018-2020 (pages 116-117 of Budget Book)”.
VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat O’Boyle of Gortakerrin, Coolaney on the death of his brother, Vincent
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Walsh of Geevagh on the death of her father, John Cummins
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Seamus Hoey of Cliffoney on the death of his sister, Rose Ellie Evans
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Seamus Maye of Strandhill on the death of his brother, Francis.
END OF MEETING:
The Chief Executive thanked the Members, Head of Finance Ms. Whelan and all of the staff who worked on this Budget commenting that it is not an easy task in the current climate.
Councillor Baker congratulated the Cathaoirleach on doing a very good job and thanked Ms. Whelan and the staff in the Finance Section.
The Cathaoirleach thanked the staff for their work in preparing the budget and commended the members for their input and consideration of the 2017 Budget.
The meeting concluded at 4.35 p.m.
Meeting Date 27/11/2017