Budget bonanza hailed as being ‘democracy in action’
By Maurice Garvey
DUBLIN City Council expects to get working immediately on a €917,000 Budget surplus bonanza – which will benefit multiple projects in Dublin South Central.
Local councillors hailed the historic fund – the first time elected representatives decided where to allocate a Budget surplus in the area – as “democracy in action” at the recent Dublin South Central ACM.
As reported in The Echo earlier this month, the discretionary fund will be divided between the two electoral wards in Dublin South Central – €458,500 for projects in Ballyfermot-Drimnagh and €458,500 for Crumlin-Kimmage.
Clubs and projects set to benefit include €80,000 to build an extension at Orchard Community Centre for Cherry Orchard Boxing Club, and €50,000 to refurbish Convent Lawns Community Centre.
Up to €35,000 will go towards CCTV cameras for Cherry Orchard, whilst the damaged playground and pitch in the same area will be resurfaced to the tune of €30,000.
Dublin City Council Area Manager for South Central Bruce Philips said: “I want to acknowledge the work put in by councilors to get this right. In terms of process, we have started looking at implementing details.
“There are two different categories of projects. Projects carried out in-house and projects allocated to external parties. We’ll look into that in more detail, because there will have to be criteria devised that due process and accountability is followed.”
Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan praised the process as “democracy in action” and “how we should do our business.”
Independentcouncillor Vincent Jackson cited the process in previous years, where members simply adopted budget proposals set by council chiefs.
“Last year there was €4.1m available, but instead of just allocating a €1m to roads, or street cleansing, at least we can influence small projects that can make a difference,” said Cllr Jackson.
“That’s what this is all about in local government. I don’t want to trivialise other projects like resurfacing roads, but it is the small things that people feel is important for what they get for their property tax.”
Projects in line for a boost include Liffey Gaels GAA clubhouse (€30,000 refurbishment upgrade), Ballyfermot Sports Complex (€25,000), and Cherry Orchard Equine Centre (€17,000).
READ MORE:
