War of words as Cork City Council defers budget meeting until after election
Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle said he was satisfied that the reasons for deferral were necessary. Picture: Darragh Kane
A political war of words has erupted over a decision by Cork City Council to defer its 2025 budget meeting until after the general election.
Sinn Féin accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of “running scared” and of “trying to hide” a potential increase in commercial rates until after the election.
But the two coalition parties hit back, accusing Sinn Féin of using the misfortune of struggling businesses “to peddle effective skullduggery” and of lying about their position on the budget.
The budget meeting, which was due to take place on Wednesday, contains draft proposals from city officials for a 2.5% to 3% commercial rates hike in an effort to plug a €2.5-€3m deficit.
It comes against the backdrop of a raft of hospitality business closures, with many blaming soaring costs.
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Despite weeks of talks, a proposed rates hike is still on the table.
With signs that the budget would not be supported on Wednesday, Fianna Fáil Cllr Sean Martin, chair of the council’s finance and estimates committee, asked councillors to agree to a deferral of the budget meeting until December 4.
He said he did not want the city’s budgetary process to get caught up in the general election, and a deferral would provide time to find solutions, as work continues to balance the books.
Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle said he had real concerns that given that several councillors are running in the general election, there might not be complete involvement in the budget meeting.
“I am satisfied the reasons (for deferral) are genuine and necessary,” he said.
Councillors voted 20-8 in favour of deferring the budget meeting until December 4 as negotiations continue.
