Southside councils adopt 2016 budgets

BOTH Dún Laoghaire Rathdown and South Dublin county councils have adopted their budgets for 2016.

At the Annual Budget Meeting held on Wednesday, November 4, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council adopted its budget for 2016 which is aimed at maintaining and expanding service levels to ensure that benefits from the economic recovery are fairly spread across the county.

Budget 2016 provides for expenditure totalling €166.6 million and allows for increased service levels across a range of departments and services.

The budget includes a reduction of the maximum 15 per cent allowable to the basic rate of Local Property Tax in 2016 – reducing the average liability from €675 to €573.75, a saving of €101.25 per property.

There is no increase in the level of commercial rates.

There is an increase of €250,000 for housing maintenance contracts, which will be used mainly to fund an annual boiler replacement programme.

More than €2 million in extra funding is being made available for the Homeless Service budget and it is expected that 60 per cent of this will be matched with an increase in central Government funding.

A total of €312,500 in additional funding will be provided for road and footpath restoration and improvement works.

Also, in addition to the continuation of the Business Support Grants, Shop Front Grants and the Vacant Premises incentive scheme, an additional €195,000 has been provided to fund initiatives and events designed to increase footfall in commercial areas countywide.

“The council prides itself on the quality of its public realm and the cultural and recreational facilities we provide for our residents, businesses and visitors,” the council stated. “For the first time in a number of years, Budget 2016 allows for increased expenditure in this area.”

This will include an increase of €462,500 in the maintenance budget for flagship parks and open spaces; €120,000 additional funding for the maintenance of playgrounds and playing pitches and the provision of funding for a small number of additional staff required to ensure the maximum potential of dlr LexIcon is achieved.

The cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Saul welcomed the 2016 Budget as it was agreed by the council.

“I am particularly pleased that we were able to hold rates at their existing levels while also increasing front line services,” he said. “I am also happy that the citizens of the county benefitted from the 15 per cent reduction in property tax.

“The adoption of the budget reflects the council’s commitment to shaping and promoting a smart, vibrant county which is attractive, inclusive and accessible to all.”

Meanwhile, South Dublin County Council has adopted its annual budget of €225 million for 2016 with a strong focus on housing supply, enhanced service delivery, tourism and heritage, and economic and community development.

Chief Executive, Daniel McLoughlin, informed the elected members that the council’s revenue budget will involve expenditure in the region of €225.45 million for the year ahead which represents an increase of €6 million on last year.

“Housing supply, economic development including tourism and aesthetics, enhanced service delivery, and business support are central to the achievement of these objectives,” he said. “All of these principles are supported through the financial provisions in this budget”.

The homeless budget has been increased by 50 per cent to €2.389m, which is a three-fold increase on the 2014 provision of €794,000.

 Housing maintenance is set at €300,000 while footpath maintenance is at €100,000.

A total of €200,000 will facilitate the implementation of the recently adopted litter management plans with initiatives such as additional bins, CCTV, audio messaging, anti-dog fouling and graffiti removal.