The chief executive of Sligo County Council has hit out at the Department of Local Government for ‘changing the goalposts’ in the Council’s effort to clear its huge debts.
The Council has already received €2m in bailouts and another million is due in the coming weeks.
But CEO Ciaran Hayes says the department is now putting more requirements in place for the Council to be able to draw down the remaining €2m.
Councillors from Sligo Municipal District met this morning (Mon) in City Hall to discuss their budget for the coming year.
But two new issues emerged that affects the council in its efforts to deal with its ongoing financial crisis.
Mr Hayes told councillors that it appears the department may now spread the payment of the two million euro over ten years — and that with certain conditions attached.
There’s also uncertainty and confusion about the payment of €750, 000 by the department to the council.
Mr Hayes says there was a verbal commitment by a senior official in the department that it would be paid if certain targets were met.
Councillors have now called on local Oireachtas members to raise the issue with the minister.
Ciaran Hayes says the lack of clarity over the €750, 000 is a difficulty for the council as it continues to bring its finances under control:
