Galway Bay fm newsroom – City Councillors have passed a budget of 76.6 million euro for next year after businesses across the city supported an increase in commercial rates.
Galway Chamber told the council that businesses were broadly in favour of the increase, so long as the extra income would be used towards Galway’s European Capital of Culture bid.
After four hours and two rejected amendments, Galway City Council passed its 2016 budget of 76.6 million euro.
Councillors described the budget as progressive, and said that it set out a clear vision for the city, despite an ongoing lack of financial support from central government.
Last evening’s meeting saw a commercial rate of 67 euro 40 cent set for next year – an increase of 3%.
The additional income generated will be used to progress cultural initiatives across the city – with 800 thousand euro to go towards Galway’s European Capital of Culture efforts.
City CEO Brendan McGrath commended the businesspeople of Galway for getting behind the bid.
Two amendments to the budget were rejected – one from Sinn Fein was described during a heated exchange as ‘fairytale economics,’ while a second from the Fianna Fáil contingent was quickly dismissed.
An amendment proposed by the rainbow pact of FG, Labour and Independents was passed.
The motion saw the introduction of a 20 thousand euro allocation to dog charity MADRA, 10 thousand euro for the Circle of Life garden in Salthill and 40 thousand euro for a feasibility study of Galway’s canals and waterways.
The 2016 budget allows for spending of around 2 million euro for homeless services and over 740 thousand euro for the maintenance and management of Traveller accommodation.
The introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme will cost the council in the region of 240 thousand euro next year.
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