Fine Gael’s proposal to decrease the rate of Local Property Tax in Mayo by 15% has been branded as ‘reckless’ by the whip for Fianna Fail councillors in the county.
South Mayo Councillor Damien Ryan branded the motion a ‘reckless and dangerous populist move’ and it was defeated by 17 votes to 12 at yesterday’s county council meeting.
Councillor Ryan argued that the Fianna Fail and Independent councillors had to vote down the motion, so that the local authority could continue to fund projects and services.
Kevin Kelly, the Chief Executive of the council, said adopting the motion would result in a 2.2m euro loss to the authority and would jeopardise discretionary spending and GMA funding.
Councillor Damien Ryan told Midwest News that he wouldn’t even consider Fine Gael’s adjustment, as it would endanger much needed funding destined for community organisations.
