GENERAL Municipal Allocation (GMA) funding allocated at last month’s Adare-Rathkeale District meeting is to be withheld to one organisation until an internal dispute is first resolved.
Speaking at this Tuesday’s area meeting, Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary explained that councillors had agreed that no more GMA monies would be made available to Knockfierna Heritage Society, until “the two committees resolved their issues”.
“I would like for that money to be withdrawn for the time being,” Cllr Keary told the council executive.
This announcement came following the adoption of an allocation of €3,000 from Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey’s GMA, and seconded by Cllr Ger Ward (FF), at last month’s district meeting towards hedge-cutting and maintenance for Knockfierna Heritage Society.
Cllr Bridie Collins (FF) made it clear that councillors were not refusing to give money going forward to the group, but said that until a time as the two committees “were not working against each other”, no funding would be forthcoming.
“This situation is very unfortunate for Knockfierna. It’s an amazing asset with unbelievable potential and we will support that 100 per cent in any shape or form,” Cllr Collins insisted.
Cllr Teskey was not in agreement that funding be removed and deemed it an “unprecedented” move. He took issue with his council colleagues objecting to the allocation of the funding in question at this time.
“It bewilders me, to be quite honest and frank about it, that you have decided to object to GMA funding that I have proposed at a previous meeting for a group that has a charitable status and been in existence since I’ve been around. I’m aware of the good work that they do up there and I’m aware of the organisation, the committee and the structures in place. I would suggest this money be sanctioned and authorised,” Cllr Teskey insisted.
Cllr Keary pointed out that council members were advised by other members of the local authority not to give money “to either side” until their issues have been resolved.
Cllr Teskey pointed out that this was something he had not been made aware of.
“We have a discretionary fund and I want to proceed with the allocation of the money. They do Trojan work up there. This money has been put to good use and they are really deserving of it. It will also benefit any hillwalker that visits this amenity,” he concluded.
– Local Democracy Reporting SchemeÂ