Change to rent scheme would benefit 150 families

Change to rent scheme would benefit 150 families


Michael Duffy

ATTEMPTS by Cllr Michael Kilcoyne to make the first changes to Castlebar Town Council’s differential rent scheme in nine years were nipped in the bud at the monthly meeting of Castlebar Town Council by Director of Services, Mr Seamus Granahan.
The councillor had a motion to increase the differential in the calculation of rent from €16 to €35, seconded by Cllr Johnny Mee.
“Sixteen euro is the lowest rate in the country and we have not updated this in nine years. People who are renting off this Council are getting a raw deal and I am now proposing this be changed,” said Cllr Kilcoyne, whose motion was seconded by Cllr Mee, who said older people in the town would benefit from this in such hard economic times.
Other councillors agreed in principle with the thrust of the motion, but Cllr Eugene McCormack questioned what impact its adoption would have on the Council’s overall budget.
Town Clerk, Ms Marie Crowley, said by her calculations the change would cost the Council €55,000 but she went on to say that the changing of the precentage was an executive function and there was no intention to change it this year.
“We have a Hardship Scheme in place which we feel works well for people who are in difficulty,” said Ms Crowley.
However, Cllr Kilcoyne questioned whose function the changing of the figure is as he said Deputy Michael Ring recently put that very question to the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, who said that the it was a function of the Town Council.
“This change would benefit 150 families directly in this town and all I am doing is looking for justice for these people.”
Director of Services, Mr Seamus Granahan, said he would seek clarification and consult the relevant legislation before the next meeting.