Fine Gael Councillor Neale Richmond has outlined his party’s three steps to local recovery, which aims to create local jobs and enterprise, support families and empower communities.
“The Local Elections provide people with an important opportunity to spread the benefits of the economic recovery.
“Every Fine Gael candidate, including myself, has committed to this plan, as outlined in our manifesto. Firstly, Fine Gael Councillors will not vote for an increase in the Local Property Tax rate and will cut the rate where circumstances allow. In the last election, Fine Gael promised to stop any further increases in income taxes on working families that were planned by Fianna Fáil. In Government, we have delivered on that promise. As with your income taxes and the national finances, Fine Gael can be trusted to manage your local government finances and keep your Local Property Tax rate low.
“Secondly, Fine Gael Councillors will ensure that there will be no increase in commercial rates and that they will reduce rates where possible, as part of a ‘Jobs and Small Business Package’ in every Council budget. In addition, Fine Gael Councillors will increase funding and staff for the new nationwide network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) which have been set up to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“Thirdly, Fine Gael supports home ownership because it is good for community stability, individual empowerment and local employment. Fine Gael Councillors will vote to sell social housing to tenants at an attractive discount. They will then use the proceeds from the sales to reinvest in new social housing and, in doing so, free up resources for new investment in parks, playgrounds and other local facilities so that all the community can benefit.
“After the Local Elections, we will have a new system of local government in Ireland. Your vote matters more than in these elections because Councillors will soon have more powers and citizens will have a stronger voice in Council business. Ensure you have your say on May 23rd
