Concerns that KCC is too ‘reliant’ on LPT for funds raised by Kildare councillor

A question over the potential over-reliance on Local Property Tax (LPT) for funding was put to Kildare County Council (KCC).

The topic came up during a motion heard at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District meeting, which took place on Friday, October 6 last.

Labour Party councillor Angela Feeney put forward the following motion to KCC: "That the council provides a footpath on the Boreen Road (L5068) from Straffan Cemetery to the north entrance of the K Club."

A similar motion was put forward by Fianna Fáil Cllr Naoise Ó Cearúil.

In response to both councillors’ motions, KCC said in its report at the meeting: "There is not sufficient width available along this public road to install a footpath.

"Land would need to be purchased in order to provide a footpath."

"There is no funding available in the current budget for this request," KCC added.

Cllr Angela Feeney (LEFT) put forward the motion at the meeting, while Cllr Naoise Ó Cearúil (RIGHT) made the comment about Local Property Tax funds.

After being informed about the report, Cllr Ó Cearúil asked KCC: "If there is a need to acquire land, has the owner been approached?"

He added: "Everything seems to be reliant on Local Property Tax (LPT)... are there other funds that we can draw from?

"Because this dependency on LPT leaves us very hamstrung, and it’s becoming frustrating, to be honest."

However, Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy had a different views, and replied to Cllr Ó Cearúil: "Dublin City Council reduced its LPT funds, and now they have no money to spend."

He also asked KCC if the area was on the Slí na Sláinte initiative’s route, and if not, could it be placed on the route.

Cyril Buggie, and engineer with KCC who was present at the meeting, told Cllr Ó Cearúil that the land owner has been contacted by the council.

"Believe me, I get frustrated when it comes to the lack of funding too," he added.

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Another representative of KCC chimed in to answer Cllr McEvoy’s question, telling him: "Slí na Sláinte comes with very tight parameters."

Marian Higgins, KCC’s Director of Services for Climate, Community, Environment and Water matters, also assured the councillors at the meeting: "The team will look at all options on the table for the area."

Cllr Feeney said that she welcomed the news that the land owner was approached by KCC.

She also said that she agreed with Cllr McEvoy and Cllr Ó Cearúil’s points.

However, Cllr Feeney stressed that the footpath 'should be a priority... for people’s safety.'