First South Dublin County Council Budget under Fine Gael leadership will deliver better services, reduced property tax & a focus on climate action – Higgins

The first Budget of South Dublin County Council under the leadership of Fine Gael will deliver better services, reduced property tax and a focus on climate action. That’s according to Fine Gael candidate in the upcoming Dublin Mid-West bye election, Cllr Emer Higgins.

Cllr Higgins said: “This is the first Fine Gael led budget of South Dublin County Council and while we are reducing property taxes, we will deliver improved services for communities across South Dublin, as well as a strong focus on climate action.

“We are reducing Local Property Tax by 15% next year. While the property tax is a much-needed source of revenue for Council services we don’t want families penalised as the value of their homes has risen during the economic recovery.

“Despite this reduction in LPT, as a well-managed Council we can and will deliver better services for the increasing population in our catchment area. Small things make a big difference to local communities. There is increased funding for grass cutting, tree management, street cleaning, footpath repair, public lighting, heritage restoration and the fire service.

“Funding for recreation and amenities is so important and we will have new play spaces, further funding for all weather facilities, teen facilities and new libraries. Community funding has been increased by €85,000 to support further health and wellbeing initiatives, while an additional €100,000 has been provided to prepare a comprehensive Local Sports Plan and to kick start its implementation. Lucan Pool will also open in January 2021 and will be a fabulous resource.

“In the area of housing we know that increased supply is key to solving the current problems. Our comprehensive build, purchase and leasing initiatives under the Capital Programme continue to meet and exceed targets. The homeless budget is now at €3,800,000 to protect those who need it most.

“We are also protecting renters and private rental inspections will again increase from 2,446 in 2019 to a planned 3,262 with an associated budget increase of €130,000.

“In line with Fine Gael priorities at a national level, this is a climate focused Budget for South Dublin.

“In 2019, we as a Council adopted the inaugural Climate Change Action Plan 2019 – 2024 and our Budget provides for a €300,000 Climate Action Innovation Fund. There will be funding of €50,000 for a Sustainable Transport Policy and we are continuing the electrification of the bus fleet. An additional allocation has been made to increase annual tree planting to 2,000 trees up from the current level of 1,700. An additional €500,000 has been provided to accelerate our Public Lighting LED Replacement Programme. We are actively planning the procurement of the next 10,000 replacements which will save 1,126 tonnes of carbon, or 38% of the overall corporate target of 40% by 2030.

“Further funding of €200,000 has also been provided to finalise the completion of the Energy Lighting Retrofit Programme in county buildings. The roll out of water fountains in the interests of eliminating single use plastics will continue in 2020. Early in 2020 we will detail plans for the introduction of EV charging points at 20 locations in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

“The Budget also includes €300,000 for greening and landscape enhancements to Clondalkin Village Centre which will bring great improvements to the village.

“In terms of economic development, the Budget supports the continuation of the €1,000,000 Business Support Fund, a crucial lifeline to small and medium businesses who are creating jobs in our community.

“The South Dublin County Council Budget for 2020 provides for total expenditure of €255,755,400 which represents a 5% increase on 2019.  This is a ambitious and progressive Budget for the people of South Dublin and I am proud to be part of this Fine Gael led Council”, Cllr Higgins concluded.