Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the first instance, the €2.75 million is for Galway alone, not other local authorities throughout the country. That is a recognition of the total allocation of €12.8 million for 2023. That is a significant allocation by the Government at a time when moneys are, as we know, difficult to raise in the current circumstances.

I acknowledge Galway County Council is doing work in terms of its commercial rate space and also in terms of the €60 million supplementary support fund, of which it will be a key beneficiary. That will hopefully help it with the escalating costs of the inflationary crisis. However, I will note that one of the resolutions to this complex process and the funding of local authorities is the comprehensive review of current LPT baselines, which is happening in the coming months. That is starting to commence and will hopefully be concluded early next year. It is hoped that will give a very clear insight into the mechanisms in terms of allocating funding to local authorities. As I have always pointed out, my door is open to engagement with Galway County Council, as it has been since my appointment as Minister of State. I met with its representatives a number of times. I absolutely understand the acute nature of its financial position and the circumstances it is in. That is why the Government has made such significant support available to it this year and, I would add, in previous years.

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