Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I do not agree with the motion. I agree with vibrant lively town councils and county councils which must have a measure of funding. The grants which come from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have increased dramatically in recent years although perhaps not so much of late. The planning fees have not increased over the past decade either. To strip whatever money they are getting from the rateable valuations within their town and county is not the way forward for vibrant lively urban and county councils. I strongly disagree with the terms of this motion.

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