Mayo row rumbling over proposed new community funding rule

A row is erupting over plans by Mayo County Council to alter the approach in which General Municipal Allocation (GMA) funding is allocated by elected members of the authority.

Up to €500,000 is available in each of the four municipal districts - Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris/Swinford and West Mayo - for councillors to financially support community projects, groups and initiatives.

However, a draft 'proposed approach to GMA for 2025' circulated to councillors has caused consternation in a number of sectors.

The main point of concern is the suggestion that ‘matching funding of at least a similar amount should be required’ from all organisation that receive GMA aid.

The matter was placed on the agenda of the January meeting of the council but was not discussed as the session was adjourned as a mark of respect to a number of elected members who suffered bereavements.

However, it is expected to be hotly debated at forthcoming municipal district meetings as well as the February meeting of the council.

When contacted, a number of councillors told The Connaught Telegraph they will be strongly opposing the matching funding condition that is proposed.

One of them, Castlebar Fine Gael Councillor Donna Sheridan, has already flagged her concerns at a party causus meeting, stating the condition would be challenging to many small, voluntary organisations.

This newspaper has learned there is a body of support within the elected ranks in favour of agreeing to the change, indicating a clear division.

Councillors from the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District voted overwhelmingly last March to adopt plans that would see €490,000 split among seven elected members, which totalled €70,000 each.

It followed an application process in which groups were invited to outline details of their projects and initiatives.

A significant portion of the €490,000 came from revenue raised through local parking charges.

Councillors in the three other municipal districts had a similar amount (€70,000 each) to distribute.

The funding is regarded as being particularly important for rural communities, especially when it comes to staging annual festivals during the tourism season.

Consequently, any threat to the continuation of such funding is certain to be firmly resisted.