25/11/2020 -Cllr Rena Donaghey has welcomed the adoption of the Council’s Revenue Budget for 2021

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Rena Donaghey has welcomed the adoption of the Council’s Revenue Budget for 2021 at its meeting today. The adopted budget is in the sum of €155.3 million and covers the Council’s day-to-day spending. The Three-Year Capital Budget will be considered separately next week and is in addition to the Revenue Budget adopted today.

There will be no general increases in Commercial Rates for 2021, with the Revenue Budget for 2021 equating to an average daily spend of €425,440, or €975 per citizen of the County over the course of the year.

The highlights of the €155.3m budget include:

1. Repeating the expenditure provisions for road maintenance and works to council houses – budget headings that were increased in recent years;
2. The implementation of the long awaited MICA defective concrete block scheme;
3. The introduction of a €700,000 fund for 2021 to develop tourism infrastructure and to help prime the tourism and hospitality sector to take advantage of the type of demand experienced during the 2020 summer period, with a particular emphasis on attracting ‘staycationing’ visitors to the County;
4. The capacity to co-finance a number of important capital investment projects across the County, including URDF and RRDF projects, and the likes of Swan Park and the Inishowen Innovation digital hub in Buncrana 
5. The creation of a dedicated Greenways Development Team to bring forward ‘shovel-ready’ greenway projects including the one from Buncrana to Carndonagh near myself which will connect to the Derry to Buncrana route;
6. A range of economic development measures across the County including initiatives to attract inward investment, promote Donegal products & services, and provide supports to existing businesses and start-ups;
7. The introduction of a €100,000 Special Biodiversity Initiative, with a focus on addressing the actions of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan; 
8. Maintaining the Council’s support for leisure centres, theatres, ferry services, cultural facilities, parks & open spaces, and flagship tourism destinations; and, 
9. Additional monies to co-fund housing adaption and mobility improvements in houses to provide for €2.5m of works.

The Cathaoirleach acknowledged the extensive work done by Council staff and County Councillors during the various engagements on developing this budget.  She also acknowledged the support and assurance provided to the Council by Central Government to cover Covid-19 related costs and losses both in 2020 and 2021. She commented on the very tough year experienced by many families and businesses due to the Covid pandemic in Donegal, Ireland and across the world.

The Cathoairleach mentioned that the spending of the €155.3m budget in 2021 will reach all corners of the County and will be spent on goods and services provided by many local suppliers and companies. The work done by the Council all year and the many supports provided to businesses through the Council have helped the whole community to get through a very difficult year. She wished everyone a much better 2021 and reminded citizens of the Council’s Community Helpline 1800 928 982 for those facing difficulties as present where you will be put in touch with someone who can help.