Local services face crisis after Budget.
Fine Gael’s Howth/Malahide Councillor Alan Farrell, today (Tuesday) said the announcement that the Local Government Fund has been cut by €25 million will result in huge pressure on local services in every village, town and city in the country.
“This fund pays for many of the day-to-day activities such as waste collection and disposal, road maintenance, water services and housing. This fund placed local authorities on a sound financial footing and provided for better services. Local Government was already severely under-financed before today’s cuts and now every household and small business will bear the brunt of Government cutbacks.
“Fine Gael has already instructed its Councillors, who control many local Councils around the country including Fingal, not to respond to Minister Gormley’s cuts by raising rates and charges on small businesses or households.
“When consumer confidence is already low and small businesses are feeling the brunt of Brian Cowen’s recession the raising of local charges will only add to the economic difficulties faced by the nation.