Local Authority Funding.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2006

Wednesday, 22 November 2006

Ceisteanna (411)

John Deasy

Ceist:

443 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will take into consideration the special requirements of resorts like Tramore, County Waterford when allocating funding to local authorities; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a major tourist centre with all year tourist business, Tramore is required to have outdoor cleaning staff on duty seven days a week; his views on whether the current level of funding allows for this level of cleansing coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39653/06]

Freagraí scríofa

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

In allocating general purpose grant funding from the Local Government Fund, I have regard to the cost to each authority of providing all of its day-to-day services as well as such factors as the level of income available to each local authority from local sources and the overall funding available for these grants. General purpose grant allocations for 2006 amounted to some €875 million, representing an increase of 7% over the amount provided in 2005. I will be announcing general purpose funding allocations for 2007 in the coming weeks.

It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to locally identified needs. I am satisfied that the level of funding provided through general purpose grants makes a significant contribution towards enabling all local authorities to provide a reasonable level of services to the public.