No Increase in Bin Tag Charge in Fingal Budget 2004

Good News For Fingal Residents

Despite the protestations about increases during the Anti Bin Tax Campaign the truth is othewise as evidenced by last nights meeting in Fingal County Council.

Any fears that either the general public or the private sector would foot the bill for benchmarking costs were firmly laid to rest in Fingal County Council Chamber on last night.

Speaking at the final Budget Meeting in Fingal County Council, County Manager, Willie Soffe congratulated Minister Martin Cullen on his approach to local government funding in 2004.

“Because of the Ministers generous approach there will be no need for Fingal County Council to increase charges or significantly increase rates in 2004. In fact, we can now even further reduce the proposed rate increase from the original 5% proposed to the remarkable figure of 3.85%”.

This minimal rate increase copperfastens Fingal County Council’s national position in relation to rates having the lowest annual rate increase nationally for over a decade. According to the County Manager this reflects a partnership approach to economic growth in Fingal.

“In the decade since the establishment of this authority we have planned growth and expansion in a sustainable way. We have done this in partnership with the business community and it is only fair that our buoyancy acknowledges the part that the business community has played. That is why I am happy to announce a further reduction in the proposed rates increase from 5% to 3.85%”.

But the business community are not the only ones to benefit from the increased provision from the Local Government Fund. Further investment in services as well as maintaining charges at current levels is also good news for the public at large. According to the County Manager, Environment, Housing, Water Services, Community, Recreation & Amenity and Transportation are also significant beneficiaries.





“Prior to the announcement of the allocation from Government we had already nailed our colours to the mast in terms of the Environment. There will be no increase in the Environment Charge at €5.00 per tag in 2004. But, I am extremely pleased that I can now announce further investment towards environmental initiatives in the coming year. I trust that the residents of Fingal will see in this our genuine commitment to providing a stable and sustainable public service in waste management. We’ve kept our promises and will continue to do so in the future”.

Increases in Housing and Transportation will allow the continued consolidation of these sectors in 2004 with additional increases in Water Services and other areas. This, along with contributions from Developers through the amended Development Levy Scheme all bode well for the future of Fingal.

“Fingal continues to be a place that is full of life and opportunity. Growth – responsibly managed – is good news for everyone. I hope that the next decade sees a continuance of sustainable development in Fingal. One where we can continue to build communities, properly planned and nurtured for the betterment of all sectors of our society”.

ENDS++