Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As long ago as last July, Sligo county councillors sought a meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, about the council's precarious budget position. It is in this precarious position partly because it followed the then Government's policy of investing in water and wastewater infrastructure. Arising from that investment, the council's costs doubled from €5 million in 2008 to €10 million in 2013. In the same period, the local government fund, the council's main source of income, was halved in the wake of the mismanagement of the national finances.

Given that the council was implementing Government policy, had departmental approval at every stage for the infrastructural projects it undertook, endured a dramatic fall in its main funding source and subsequently transferred infrastructure to Irish Water without compensation for its major investment in these assets, it should be given assistance, support and advice. Despite the difficulties it faces, savings have been made. I understand, for example, that a workforce action plan has been put forward which provides for the transfer of front-line maintenance staff, including housing staff, arising from the dissolution of Sligo Borough Council. It seems, however, that there may well be outsourcing of work currently being done by maintenance staff which will ultimately see a higher cost for an inferior service.

The Minister has refused to meet the councillors or me. I understand, however, that last week he did meet at least one Deputy and, possibly, a Senator from the Government parties. The outcome of that meeting seems to be that Sligo County Council has two weeks to get its books in order or it will be replaced by a commissioner. It is scandalous.

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