Great news today that Galway County Council is to receive an additional €1 million in funding following talks this morning between council officials, elected members and the Minister for Local Government John Paul Phelan TD.
I had several discussions with Minister Phelan, He made the visit at my behest and I am delighted at his announcement of the additional funding.
The crisis has been unacceptable and action was needed without delay. The funding model was broken. Geographically we have the second biggest county in the country but we have the fourth lowest funding per head of population.
The County Council has been starved of resources and has struggled to maintain essential services.
When the amalgamation of Galway City Council and Galway County Council was reviewed, the findings of the review committee cited funding as an immediate priority for Galway County Council.
I am delighted at the outcome of today’s meeting. This is an important step in resolving the financial challenges that have dogged the County Council in recent years.