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'Council services face massive cutbacks'
THE announcement by Environment Minister John Gormley that local councils will have their budgets cut back by almost 7% represents a massive attack on people's essential public services expectations, says Cllr Michael O'Brien.
Mr O’Brien pointed out that in each of the past two years Kilkenny County Council’s budget has been cut by 25% in real terms. This has arisen because of increased energy costs on tar, fuel and ESB costs associated with public lighting for existing and expanding residential needs.
“These cutbacks can only be interpreted as a savage assault on local government and on local democracy. Minister Gormley came to office promising both local government reform and equitable funding for our councils. It is now clear that he can deliver on neither,” Cllr O’Brien said.
“It is inevitable that as a result of this, councils will have to scale back on vital services such as the procurement and maintenance of public infrastructure, emergency services, housing for those most in need, land-use planning and control, and community facilities and amenities.”
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Weather for Kilkenny
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 3 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
