Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed a further package of financial support in response to Covid-19 worth €61m for local authorities.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “Throughout this pandemic Local Authorities have been able to provide essential support and services at a very difficult time. The local government sector played a key role in the national effort to combat Covid-19 and to support communities dealing with the impacts on the ground.
“This additional tranche of financial support with €61m will go towards extra outdoor facilities, pedestrianisation, supporting the vaccination programme and various local well-being initiatives.”
The Cavan and Monaghan TD added: “The funding support provided by the Government means the local government sector won’t be at a loss or having to make ‘either’ ‘or’ decisions when it comes to providing vital services for people and to ensure that services such as playgrounds, sports facilities and library services can keep operating.”
To date, this brings the total Covid-19 related financial support to local authorities in 2021 to €559m.
- €435m for the 2021 rates waiver that applied from January to September;
- €62.3m for the limited waiver that applies for the rest of 2021, targeting hospitality and entertainment in particular;
- €61.6m towards income losses and extra costs associated with the pandemic