Written answers

Tuesday, 29 November 2005

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Local Authority Funding

9:00 pm

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his response to the submission from IBEC in relation to local authority funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36642/05]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the views of IBEC on local government funding, arising from its statement in September 2005 in that regard and its subsequent presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Local Government. I responded publicly to a number of the issues raised in the statement when I addressed the annual conference of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland in September, noting for example the extent to which local authorities services are driven by population and economic growth; the reality that increased costs reflect the need to expand and maintain public infrastructure, to respond to community and social needs and to meet higher environmental standards and quality of life expectations; the importance of cost effective service delivery, efficiency across local government operations and prudence in the determination of spending patterns; the value of a vibrant local government system as a partner to a dynamic business community; and the positive role of small local authorities in helping to support active citizenship and social capital at a local level. I have arranged to meet IBEC in December to discuss issues relating to local authority funding.

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