Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
292. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to meet the executive of Galway County Council as a matter of urgency to address the funding shortfall in the local authority from the Local Government Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55950/21]
View answerThe plenary budget process for local authorities is now underway and I understand that Galway County Council will hold its initial meeting on 29 November. The Council has up to 14 days after that date to adopt a budget for the year ahead. This is among the most important decisions that the elected members of local authorities are required to make and the adoption of a sufficient budget which balances local resources with local needs is a key statutory obligation of elected members.
As part of this statutory obligation, the members may consider the available resources, including how Galway County Council's income from commercial rates, goods and services and from LPT will be allocated within the authority. While I have no plans to meet with the executive at this time, if a request for such a meeting is received, it shall be considered.
