This article is from page 18 of the 2013-10-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
CLARE County Council has been urged to consider offering a Ryanair style ‘priority queue’ system at its Motor Tax offices as a means of raising revenue.
Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) told yesterday’s council meeting that some customers would be willing to pay a small charge in order to secure priority in the queue.
He said waiting times can be as long as 20 minutes in the office at the council’s headquarters on New Road.
Cllr Meaney said the council is about to embark on the process of preparing a budget and should consider new ways of raising revenue. “Maybe it is time we look at taking the budget airlines approach,” he explained.
Cllr Meaney further suggested that the council look at securing sponsorship for some of its flagship facilities.
He added, “I think the skate park in Lees Road would be an appropriate location for sponsorship from skate companies.”
Cllr Meaney was speaking after submitting a motion to the October meeting of Clare County Council.
The motion states, “Can this council consider developing innovative, alternative income sources given the challenging financial position facing Clare County Council. For example could this council allow advertising in or on property in its control or publications it produces? Are local authorities prohibited from generating funds in this manner?”
Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) supported the proposal. “There is a need for us to be creative and innovative to close the shortfall in what it is we want to do as a council and what we can afford to do,” he said.
Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind) said it would be better for the council to wait to see the shape of the new Local Government Bill before making any financial decisions.
“We need to know what our scope will be to raise extra funding,” she explained.
Cllr Meaney said he accepted Cllr McCarthy’s comments but warned the council is already being hit by funding cutbacks.
He said he had been informed the money allocated to the council for the control of horses had already been severely cut.
“This is something we need to plan for in the event of further cuts,” he added.