Kilrush budget cut by 12.5%

While the 2010 Kilrush Town Council budget, which was adopted last Thursday night, included no increase in commercial rates, overall expenditure for the provision of services in the town will be down 12.5% on the 2009 figures.

The budget provides for €1,517,869 for the year ahead, compared to €1,736,384 for this year.
Income for 2010 has been estimated at €732,298 compared to €887,179 in 2009. This estimate represents at 17.5% reduction in income for the year ahead in Kilrush. The decision to provide two hours of free parking in the lead-up to Christmas will also hit the town council budget.
The budget also includes a 14% reduction in the town council payroll from that budgeted in 2009.
Among additional key points adopted was a freeze on local authority housing rent rates, a 3% reduction in commercial water charges and an increase in the housing maintenance programme.
With regard to the local road network, the town council expects a 10% reduction on their allocation next year. It is expected that €113,400 will be made available, which is expected to severely restrict proposed road works in Kilrush next year.
“In framing the budget for 2010, the council was very conscious of the need to encourage more business activity in the town, retain employment and where possible, create additional employment,” Mayor of Kilrush, Marian McMahon Jones commented.
Kilrush town manager, Nora Kaye said that Kilrush Town Council and the West Clare Economic Development Task Force would continue to work to ensure Kilrush benefits from new business and tourism developments.
“Kilrush town boasts a number of well-established tourist attractions, including the Heritage Town Trail, the Marina, Cappa Pier, Scattery Island and the Vandeleur Walled Garden, which collectively generate income for the town in the form of employment, tourism and increased business activities,” she said.