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MANAGER CONCERNED BY CHANGES IN FUNDING FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES By Tom Kelly Mayo is enjoying a period of unprecedented growth, according to county manager Mr. Des Mahon. In a report contained in the estimate of expenses for Mayo County Council, he said the strength in the economy was coming at a time of change in local government structures. Mr. Mahon explained the coming year would see the introduction of strategic policy committees at county council level as well as the preparation of strategic management initiatives. The new committee will involve elected council members and staff engaged in a critical analysis of how the council carries out its business and how it should prepare for the next century. He stated the changes in the financing of local authorities caused some concern because the degree of funding available for vital services was less directly under the council's control.' Mr. Mahon outlined that new legislation was introduced every year which had significant revenue implications' for the council. "While all these changes bring considerable benefits, they have also cost implications. We will continue to bring these matters to the Department of the Environment's attention to ensure our funding base is not eroded. "It is important that any system of exchequer funding takes account of the needs of a local authority like Mayo County Council which has considerable development needs together with necessary revenue costs." Mr. Mahon said the closure of the Asahi plan on July 10th last represented a loss of £250,000 in revenue to the council. "Asahi had long been regarded as a flagship of industrial development in the west of Ireland and contributed enormously to the North Mayo economy. I place on record the council's appreciation of the co-operation which it received from the company. "It is hoped the efforts being made by the IDA to secure a replacement industry will be successful in the near future." ENORMOUS ADVANCES Mr. Mahon stated the elected members of the council could take pride in the enormous advances' which had been made in the provision of services to the people of Mayo since 1991. "The nineties has seen the greatest ever investment in the county's infrastructure." The following is a summary of Mr. Fleming's detailed report under a number of headings. Revised Funding for Local Authorities: The power of local authorities to levy charges for domestic water and sewerage has been abolished. The rate support grant has also been terminated. The income from these sources is replaced by assigning the proceeds of motor tax to local authorities. An equalisation fund has been established to facilitate an equitable redistribution of motor tax receipts. The initial allocation to Mayo County Council from this fund for 1997 is £9,293,904. It is hoped the council's allocation will be increased when the final figures from motor tax receipts in 1997 is established. The council has been adviseD that the system established by the 1997 Act is currently under review and that proposals to make significant changes are currently under consideration. Housing: A total of 66 houses were completed during the year. A further 86 are under construction and 84 are at the planning stage. There is also a large number of voluntary houses either in progress, at the planning stage or awaiting approval. The annual revision of rent will take effect from January. Travellers Accommodation: The council has to address the growing traveller population through the provision of group housing. It is proposed that group housing will be provided in Castlebar and Ballina with the assistant of voluntary housing organisations. Road Transport and Safety: The council has 6,348.2kms of roads of various categories in the county and a total of £15,323,000 was spent on maintaining and improving them during the past year. It is anticipated that a substantial grant will be available in 1998 to start construction on the Knock /Claremorris by-pass. Road Safety Awareness: Efforts to set up a School Warden Scheme for girls senior and boys junior schools at Convent Hill, Ballina, have progressed satisfactorily. The decision of Ballina Urban Council to carry out a major traffic management project in the vicinity of the school has enabled the board of management and the road safety officer to achieve the long held ambition to provide a junior warden scheme at the location. When the works are completed, the parents of children of the fifth and sixth classes will be approached for permission to let their children take part. Water Supply and Sewerage: Over the past five years, over £60m has been expended on capital schemes. The value of works in progress and in planning is in excess of £150m. Water is costing the council £1.90 per 1,000 gallons to produce. At present metered water is sold at £1.75 per 1,000 gallon. It is proposed to reduce the subsidy with effect from January 1st. The new metered charge will be £1.90 per 1,000 gallon. It is also proposed to proportionally increase the fixed charge made for water supplied to commercial consumers. TEETHING PROBLEMS The devolution of group water schemes caused some initial teething problems to the council's administration. It also provided the council with an unique opportunity of providing the highest quality uninterrupted water supply to every home in the county in accordance with EU Directives. Development Incentives and Controls: Approximately 2,220 planning applications have been received during 1997, representing a 16% increase on the 1996 figure. The number of application has nearly doubled since 1993. County Enterprise Board: A total of £518,474 was grant aided to 50 different projects leading to the creation of 130 full-time and 7 part-time jobs. Mayo Naturally: As a result of the activities of the company, the profile of the county as a visitor destination has greatly improved. Investment confidence has greatly increased with ERDF assisted investment now reaching some £65m under the current operational programme for tourism. In addition, Mayo is drawing substantial agri-tourism grant aid. Town Improvement Schemes: Works are on-going at Ballycastle and Ballindine with each town receiving major investment of £100,000 and £50,000, respectively. This major investment will be seen in Foxford and Killala in 1998. Work will commence in Claremorris on tree planting from the railway bridge to Dixon's. Refuse Collection and Disposal: A new landfill site will be provided in the county within the next few years which will involve major capital expenditure. Under new regulations, the council must apply to the Environmental Agency for a licence in respect of Derrinumera tiphead, Newport. This application must be made by March 1st next. Works will be carried out to meet the licence standards. AMENITY SITES The council has applied for the provision of a civic amenity site at Claremorris and 11 bring sites' at various locations in the county. It is proposed to increase the tiphead change to £15 per tonne in 1998, an increase of £7. The average waste generated by a domestic dwelling in one year is one tonne. Water Safety: The replacement of life buoys and warning signs is becoming an annual chore, necessitated not just by normal wear and tear by also by act of vandalism. Lake Protection: Significant advances have been made in increasing awareness of the causes of pollution in Lough Conn. Fire Service: An order has been placed for the installation and commissioning of a new alerting system for the County Fire Service and this will be completed before the end of 1998. Library Service: Over 400,000 books were borrowed by 15,000 members in the 12 branch libraries and two mobile libraries. Castlebar Courthouse: The Department of Justice has approved funding for major refurbishment of Castlebar Courthouse. Detailed plans have been prepared and submitted to the department for approval.
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