An austere budget for 2012 proposed by Galway City Council officials was adjusted by city councillors on Monday night to a total of €400,000.
Councillors felt officials were harsh in targeting community and voluntary groups, and felt the adjustment was justified. The council executive stated in its budget document that its intentions had been in “prioritising essential services”.
Councillors ensured this year’s refuse waiver will be upheld for 2012 to protect those most vulnerable. This is at a cost of €150,000 to the council.
A proposed cut in funding for Ironman Galway was avoided and will now remain at €25,000. Councillors highlighted the benefits of the event to the city and reports that it brought €10 million in to the city over a three day period.
Sports grants were increased from €40,000 to €70,000, while arts grants were increased by €30,000 to €401,000.
Next year will see a further €10,000 in grants for the gleoiteogs and €45,000 to Galway Civic Trust, while Gaillimh le Gaeilge also received €50,000.
A fund for replacement of broken playground equipment has been assigned at €25,000. A demand for public toilets at Earls Island has resulted in €60,000 being allocated for 2012, while a special provision for marketing the city attracted a pool of €50,000.
All adjustments came at a cost to other services and saw a reduction in provision for beaches of €30,000, for fire services at €50,000, and pensions and lump sums at €65,000.
Councillors agreed to fund works at Threadneedle Road junction over two years at a saving of €80,000 next year. An anticipated increase in income from the NPPR scheme will generate €80,000.
The final funding was found in an increase in local government funding netting €70,000, while €30,000 will come in from the Ras scheme.
