Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is unfair and unwelcome that Deputies would try to personalise what is a very serious problem for Sligo County Council. The Minister, Deputy Kelly, is seriously concerned and is engaged with the management team of Sligo County Council to find a solution to assist it in addressing these challenges. It is encouraging that the council is preparing a financial plan to deal with the challenges it faces. As I said, the continued deterioration of the council’s financial position is a concern to us all. However, a situation whereby annual deficits arise despite the council's having budgeted for balancing income and expenditure is untenable.

Sligo County Council must move to a position of surplus in 2015 and into the future. We have all been required to seek efficiencies in recent years to adjust to the economic challenges the nation has faced, and none of us can continue to spend beyond our means. Sligo County Council will have to significantly improve its income collection levels across all areas and move towards adequate cost recovery in all service provision areas, where possible. The Minister and Department are committed to continuing to support the council in its efforts to restore financial stability. However, the council must take the next steps itself, through a firm commitment reflected in its budget for 2015 and through the agreement of a long-term financial plan with the Department.

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