No increase in Tuam town rates

Last night’s Budget Meeting was the last time that the town board would strike a rate as town councils will be abolished before the local elections next May.

Director of Services Frank Gilmore said that the town rate struck at the meeting will only be relevant for six months and while there is still not clarity on how rates will operate after that it was important to agree a list of projects for funding under the budget of €275,000.

The main costs were the town council’s €80,000 for The Shambles enhancement project which is currently underway.

Town Hall costs will amount to €12,000, €5,000 was set aside for town enhancement while the contribution to the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Lights is €10,000.

When Cllr Martin Ward asked if the Chamber would have to look elsewhere for that grant for the lights in 2014 he was told that it was only promised for five years, or the life of the current town board, and that expired after this year’s budget.

Enhancement of the Palace Grounds, especially the children’s playground there, further regeneration at Gilmartin Road and improvement to lights at Weir Road are among the items for funding.

A rate of €3.66 in the Euro, similar to last year, was agreed for the remaining six months of the town council.