South Dublin County Council adopts Annual Budget 2013 to support Enterprise, Economic Growth and Emp

<p>South Dublin County Council adopted&nbsp;its 2013 budget at the Annual Budget Meeting held on the 17^th December 2012. Philomena Poole, County Manager told the Elected Members at the budget meeting held on Monday evening that ‘the 2013 Council Revenue Budget will involve expenditure of €230.5m, she added income sources have particularly suffered in recent years while at the same time demand has increased for many of the services provided by the Council. While these changes have impacted on the Council’s financial resources, significant savings and some alternative incomeshave been delivered from innovation and efficiencies which have counterbalanced the reduced incomes and the increased pressure on frontline services’.</p> <p>The challenging economic conditions have greatly influenced many aspects of this budget and have reinforced this Council’s commitment to the provision of a range of services and supports for local businesses and persons seeking employment in South Dublin. The Council plays a key enabling role in a wide range of activities which result in a job dividend for the County. This Council is dedicated to the delivery of a host of projects which aim to benefit local businesses and communities. </p> <p><strong>Among the key provisions of South Dublin County Council’s Pro- Business Budget for 2013 are:</strong> </p> <p><strong>Commercial Rates:</strong></p> <p>In order to support and encourage business in South Dublin, the Council provided a number of reductions to the annual rate on valuation (ARV) or commercial rates multiplier in recent years resulting in an ARV of 0.162 for 2012 which reflects a 5.3% combined reduction since 2009., The County Manager recommended to the Elected Members that the ARV of 0.162 is not increased for 2013. </p> <p><strong>Activities supporting Enterprise, Economic Growth and Employment include</strong>:</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <em>Business Development and Sustainability Project </em>which is delivered in conjunction with South Dublin Chamber</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Continued support for enterprise agencies and business networking events</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Provision of enterprise infrastructure such as serviced sites and planning support</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Provision of arts/concert venues, sporting facilities and tourism products, relating to a broad range of recreation and amenity facilities. South Dublin County will host in excess of 25 international sporting and cultural events throughout the year as part of <strong><em>‘The Gathering 2013’</em></strong> with an expected attendance of 17,000 overseas visitors to the County. </p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <em>The Connect with Energy Initiative </em>which promotes the growth of the green economy and aims to improve business competitiveness by advising businesses on how to reduce energy costs in the workplace.</p> <p>2013 will also see the implementation of a new <strong><em>Economic Strategy </em></strong>for the Council. This strategy is geared towards maintaining the County’s position as an economic driver within the wider region and as a destination for indigenous business and foreign direct investment. It highlights the County’s character areas where economic development can be nurtured and firmly positions the protection of existing jobs and the creation of new jobs as a key priority of the Council.</p> <p>South Dublin enjoys its position as an urban centre with both urban and rural village cores. It is imperative that the villages are recognised as hubs of economic and social activity. Mindful of this, the Economic strategy targets a Village Programme that encompasses thoughtful landscaping, multi-year action plans and a strong partnership between the Council and local voluntary effort. The Council will continue to support the village centres as they embrace activities which will increase footfall and achieve village enhancement.</p> <p>Mayor Cathal King recommended the budget to the Elected Members, commenting that ‘this budget despite the current economic climate reflects the Council’s commitment to supporting local enterprise whilst prioritising frontline service areas that play a vital role in delivering key outcomes for the citizens of South Dublin County such as Housing, Community/Recreational Facilities and Public Realm Maintenance. Mayor King was also delighted to announce that the ‘Alliance Members’ have pledged their conference expenses to the Council’s Social Housing Windows Replacement Programme’ to benefit homes in need of&nbsp; windows upgrading. </p> <p>A full copy of the adopted Annual Budget for 2013 will be available shortly at <A href="http://www.sdcc.ie/">www.sdcc.ie</a> </p>