Mayo anger over planned 'reckless expenditure' on chamber upgrade

An elected member of Mayo County Council has raised serious concerns over the suggested refurbishment of the Mayo County Council Chamber, which could cost taxpayers an estimated €700,000.

Aontú Councillor Paul Lawless elaborated: “This chamber is no larger than two school classrooms, and yet there’s talk of spending €700,000 on its refurbishment.

"This is both outrageous and unjustifiable.

"I was shocked that no government party councillor voiced opposition to the consideration.

"Before this suggestion gains any momentum, we need to put a stop to it and ensure that taxpayer money is being used wisely.

“I will use my position in the council to challenge reckless spending. We are in the middle of a housing crisis.

"In Mayo, there are over 1,000 people on the housing list, while 50 council-owned homes remain vacant due to funding constraints.

"Allowing such vacancies to persist while millions of euros are being poured into the private rental sector through schemes like HAP and RAS, as well as emergency accommodation, is outrageous.

"We must start spending taxpayers’ money in a way that benefits the greatest number of people and ensures value for money."

Councillor Lawless went on to highlight that this local issue is part of a larger pattern of wasteful government spending across the country, including the recently revealed €336,000 bike shelter at Leinster House.

“What struck me most about the bike shelter scandal was the complete silence from government ministers and TDs who are typically quick to take credit for funding announcements.

"But when it comes to explaining such reckless spending, they are nowhere to be found. This lack of accountability is unacceptable.”

“The bike shelter is just the latest example of the government's inability to deliver value for money.

"The National Children’s Hospital is €1.4 billion over budget and years behind schedule.

"A sum of €300 million has been spent on the Dublin Metro without any significant progress, and the National Broadband Plan has ballooned by 600% to an estimated €3 billion.

“Accountability and transparency must be at the heart of how public money is managed, both nationally and locally. The Irish people deserve a government and councils that are responsible with their funds.”