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South Dublin County Council adopts Annual Budget 2014 to stimulate Economic Recovery and Job Creation

South Dublin County Council adopts Annual Budget 2014 to stimulate Economic Recovery and Job Creation

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19/12/2013

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

 

South Dublin County Council adopts Annual Budget 2014 to stimulate Economic Recovery and Job Creation

South Dublin County Council adopted its 2014 budget at the Annual Budget Meeting held on the 12th December 2013. County Manager, Daniel McLoughlin, informed the Elected Members at the meeting last Thursday that “the Council’s Revenue Budget will involve expenditure in the region of €217.3 million for the year ahead and that the budgetary context is understandably aligned to the economic context and the ongoing reform agenda within the local government sector. The County Manager went on to state in his introduction that “economic development is the core business of local government and this Council has a critical role to play in the economic growth of South Dublin County. The initiatives set out in the budget for 2014 are designed to enhance this role, stimulate economic development, job creation and best position this county to capitalise on economic recovery”.

South Dublin County Council’s Budget Highlights for 2014 include the:

  • Establishment of an Economic Directorate with responsibility for Asset Management, local enterprise and business promotion, Grange Castle International Business Park, regional economic opportunities, European funding, Tourism, Heritage and Arts development and all associated promotion and marketing of South Dublin County as the ideal business location. Financial provision has also been made for the establishment of the new Local Enterprise Office as successor to the County Enterprise Board. The directorate will be supported by an expanded strategic economic policy forum representative of the various segments. Supporting initiatives for the coming year including supports to the retail and SME sectors amount to €2.2m. In addition there will be an emphasis on economic profiling, marketing and promotion, aesthetic improvement, and signage.
  • The Villages Programme is central to the Council’s business support, heritage and tourism and economic development strategies. The essence of the overall project is to embark on a multi annual programme of works aimed at presenting the county’s villages in their best light, making them focal points of our communities and promoting their continued economic development. €5 million has been set aside in the council’s capital programme in the coming years to support show case projects in each of our villages. In addition funding of over €2.3 million will be available this year for public realm improvements including landscaping, street furniture, and a number of new initiatives including a shop front grant scheme, heritage and village identity signage and the roll out of WIFI to all villages.
  • Supports for the Retail and SME Sector include the introduction of new initiatives specifically aimed at supporting small business and retail including a fund of €1.2m which has been set aside to ease the rates burden on small business paying rates of less than €10,000 subject to payment of rates prior to 31st July 2014. €250,000 has been provided to underwrite a more favourable car parking regime and thecouncil is also establishing retail support forums in conjunction with the local Chamber.
  • Commercial Rates will remain unchanged for 2014. The Annual Rate on valuation has not increased since 2009 and will be set at 0.162.
  • Working with Communities is vital to encourage the active engagement of our citizens in the interests of improving their quality of life. A particular theme for the forthcoming year will be Health and Wellbeing Promotion. This objective will be pursued through the council’s Sports programmes, Social Inclusion Office, Arts and Libraries, Estate Management Programmes, Children Services Committee, Age Friendly Strategy and Joint Policing Committee structures. A specific programme of activities and events around this theme will be drawn up early in 2014.
  • Community Infrastructure

While the county is well served with community type infrastructure provision is made in the capital programme for further investment in this area. In particular the Council is delighted to announce plans in 2014 for the construction of a new library in North Clondalkin and the development of a comprehensive programme of circa. 40 community playgrounds over a 5 year period.

In conclusion, Mayor Dermot Looney recommended the budget to the Elected Members, commenting that “this is a fair and progressive budget that protects frontline services, defends the more vulnerable members of society whilst at the same time expanding supports for local businesses and job creation” The budget is the final budget of the current council .

For further information on the Budget 2014 please view the link

http://www.sdcc.ie/the-council/policies-and-plans/budgets-and-spending/annual-budget