Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2023

Minutes of the Budget meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 1st November, 2023 at 9:30 am in Teach Laighne, Co. Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Joseph Queenan (Cathaoirleach)
  • Councillor Dara Mulvey
  • Councillor Martin Connolly
  • Councillor Paul Taylor
  • Councillor Gerard Mullaney

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mrs. Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Joseph Queenan presided.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

1. TO CONSIDER THE DRAFT 2024 BUDGETARY PLAN FOR THE BALLYMOTE - TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT:

Ms. Whelan informed Members that the draft budgetary plan contained items of discretionary expenditure that apply to all three Municipal Districts.

Ms. Whelan went on to advise Members as follows:

  • The additional 15% LPT for the Council equated to be €717,081 for 2024; an increase on the 2023 amount of €43,879.
  • In 2024 Sligo County Council are continuing to provide a gross amount of €400,000 for Housing Grants that will be match funded with €80,000 from the additional LPT 15% increase.
  • €100,000 from the LPT towards the ongoing Footpath Improvement Scheme along with funds from the Councils own resources.
  • €537,081 on a County Wide basis for all Recreation and Amenity Capital Projects.
  • The overall LPT allocation for 2024 Sligo has increased by an additional €1.5m. In Oct 2022 Sligo County Council received notification of €935,288 Local Authority Supplementary Support for Inflationary Costs which was included as additional Income in Budget 2023. This was a one-off and will not be provided for 2024 so in effect the additional allocation for 2024 is thus reduced to €564,712.
  • Sligo County Council still have significant inflationary costs for operational tenders that have increased, Loan Interest Charges increased, IT investment has ongoing maintenance costs that have increased, and increased pension costs in 2024 must also be provided for. Also, Local Elections 2024 will be an additional cost to 2023.
  • On this basis, the draft budgetary plan included for discussion for each Municipal District has the discretionary items stated as per the 2023 budget amounts.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Joe Queenan thanked Ms. Whelan and staff for the concise presentation, noted approximately 420 staff now employed by Sligo Co Council and thanked Ms Whelan for the fair distribution of funds throughout each MD.

Members in turn thanked Ms. Whelan and staff and requested emphasis be placed on:

  • Housing maintenance - noted rental income has increased as Council have more stock on hand, therefore maintenance budget should be increased,
  • Query whether a priority list is in force for housing maintenance - Ms. Whelan to follow up.
  • Noted that CIS funding not adequate,
  • Traffic calming measures required around at villages - Members requested ramps in favour of flashing warning signs,
  • Bus Shelters required at various locations around the MD,
  • Increase in funding for footpaths required as Active Travel budget generally not eligible in MD.

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY

AND AGREED

"To consider the Draft 2024 budgetary Plan for the Ballymote Tubbercurry Municipal District."

The Budget was noted by all members.

Meeting ended at 10.00 am.


Meeting Date 01/11/2023