Local Authority Budgets

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Questions (300)

Joan Collins

Question:

352 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it has been brought to his attention that it is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of its annual budgetary process; and in this context the reason he is in ongoing consultation with Sligo County Council in relation to its 2012 budget, in view of the fact that the budget was adopted by majority vote at a meeting of the county council on 19 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12337/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I refer to the replies to Questions Nos. 131 and 134 of 29 September 2011, 466 of 24 January 2012 and 196 of 22 February 2012, in which I stated that it is a matter for each local authority, including Sligo County Council, to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources. At the request of Sligo County Council, I met with a delegation from the Council on 31 January 2012 to discuss its financial position, including its adopted 2012 budget. My Department continues to be in ongoing consultation with the Council in relation to these matters.