Hi Guys Just after coming from the Budget 2015 meeting at Longford County Council. It was a challenging meeting and build up but I believe that it was a very positive result, taking into account the current economic climate. The key points are as follows: The harmonisation of the Town and County Rate of Valuation to last years maintained county rate of 65.35. This would equate to an approximate reduction of 3% in rates to businesses within the former Longford Town Council boundary. This measure is crucial in allowing the council to apply a countywide reduction in subsequent years, should economic conditions allow. There is to be no reduction in frontline services which are maintained at 2014 levels There will be a small reduction of 3% in the Local Property Tax An allocation of €60,000 will be made available for Attic Youth Cafe. This figure is €30,000 which was provided by the former Longford Town Council, with matched funding by LCC. An allocation of approximately €60,000 will be made to each Municipal District to be spent at their discretion. This money is essential in promoting local groups such as Tidy Towns, Local Festivals etc Money has been provided to assist in the provision of sports development officers for GAA/FAI/IRFU for promotion and development of local sports. The money will be provided subject to matched funding from the sporting organisation. I am particularly delighted with the FAI Development Officer which I have being fighting hard for over the last few months. We will now hopefully be on a par with the rest of the country in the promotion of soccer I have succeeded in securing continued funding to Longford Town Suberbs Ltd, the company responsible for the upkeep of The Mall. This company was always supported by Longford Town Council and I am grateful to LCC for maintaining the allocation, which Im sure you will all agree represents fantastic value for money in maintaining the jewel in the crown which is The Mall A larger allocation was provided for the promotion of Longford as a tourist destination. Tourism has a huge role in our new Development Plan and is something that is currently untapped and that I believe will be a major player in the development of our county To conclude, this is a positive budget in the first year of the new council, under strained financial conditions. I believe it creates a sound platform going forward over the term of this council. Together with other projects to address other business and social issues we have taken on board opinions made by Longfordians and I believe that Longford is pointed in right direction to achieve social and economic recovery over the next few years. Regards Gerry
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 19:17:06 +0000
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