Local Authority Funding.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2005

Thursday, 17 February 2005

Ceisteanna (168)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

168 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a special fund exists whereby local authorities can secure top-up funds as a replacement for the loss of revenue from rates arising from the closure of a factory; if so, if in view of the decision of a company (details supplied) to close down a plant and the associated drop in rates revenue of approximately €750,000 to Carlow County Council, whether it will be able to avail of this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5414/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

General purpose grants to local authorities from the local government fund are based partly on a needs and resources assessment, which is designed to respond over time to fluctuations in income and expenditure. Local authorities receive income from a range of sources, including rates, charges for goods and services, specific State grants and general purpose grants from the local government fund. The 2005 general purpose grant allocation for Carlow County Council is €10,678,407, an increase of €950,362, or almost 10%, over the corresponding figure for 2004.