No Disclosures

The Cathaoirleach Cllr. D Connolly welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Sean Mullarkey, Head of Finance presented the Chief Executive report regarding the General Municipal Allocation and the draft Budgetary Plans for Athlone Municipal District 2026.

The total proposed General Municipal Allocation for Athlone Municipal District is €933,670 this represents an increase of €13,167.00 on last year’s allocations.

Sean Mullarkey outlined the increase in the budget is attributed in the main to the local property tax adjustment upwards by 15% for the period 2025 to 2029,

 There was an increased allocation for Local Roads General Maintenance of €20,000 and the introduction of a new fund of €25,000 for major repair works in burial grounds. There was also an increase for Tidy Towns & Amenities grant of €5,000. The Voluntary Graveyard grant increased by €5,000

Funding for roads is allocated on the same basis as last year, (33.3% Population, 33.3% Km road, 33.3% condition).

Members thanked Seam Mullarkey, Head of Finance for his presentation of the Draft Athlone MD Budget 2026. They welcomed the increased allocation for Athlone MD.

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On the Proposal of:  Cllr T Ward

          Seconded by:  Cllr L Fallon

Members AGREED that Villages with potential to develop, in consultation with C&E department, should be considered for funding in next year’s budget.

Sean Mularkey noted that issue was also discussed by the Boyle and Roscommon MD’s at their budget meetings.

Members expressed their disappointment that Athlone MD does not get the same allocations as the other two MD areas. 

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Cllr J Keogh expressed his disappointment that the increase in commercial rates last year did not reflect in the Tidy Town Teams allocations for 2026.

On the Proposal of:  Cllr J Keogh

         Seconded by:   Cllr L Fallon

The Members AGREED to adopt the Draft Athlone MD Budget 2026.