Original article in the Clanrye News
Workers Party Rep Nicola Grant Slams Newry Council on Rates Rise
Nicola Grant commenting on the new rate set at the Council meeting said that residents and businesses would be unhappy at the increase given all the problems they encounter getting the services they pay for. The Council in announcing the increase, used the justification that the increase would be used to fund frontline services, infrastructure and community projects including investment in new 3G pitches and other developments.
Nicola said there is a contradiction in claiming to support vulnerable people whilst higher costs will burden those already struggling. A major concern is the uncertainty around key community projects: despite money coming in, there is still no clear timeline for the City Park or the reopening of the swimming pool. These are vital facilities for residents. Yet they have been unable to avail of the swimming pool for a considerable period of time. People are now questioning what they pay their rates for due to the lack of access to these important facilities.
The Council struggles to maintain existing current community projects, yet they continue to announce new ones. This raises doubts about their ability to follow through or deliver.
Ratepayers are now of the opinion that the Council prefers vanity projects over practical needs. While new pitches and developments may sound great, they are perceived as show cases instead of addressing real community needs.
Nicola concluded these announcements may look good on paper but would seem to have become a tick box exercise and without tangible progress being seen to be made. They risk being viewed as just another empty promise. The Ratepayers deserve much more than they currently get from their Council, it’s now time to put the ratepayers first, and to stop kicking the issues and projects that are beneficial to the entire community down the road.
