Mayo budget talks deferred for seven days

MOVES by Mayo County Council to adopt a budget for 2018 have entered what has been described as 'a delicate phase'.

Elected members met with officials of the authority this morning at Aras an Chontae as efforts to reach an agreement got underway.

But the session only last 90 minutes as officials were inundated with questions on their plans to cut expenditure across many sectors.

Councillors asked for detailed explanations of the proposed cutbacks and the implications they are likely to cause for communities.

In reply, the directors of services said they would need time to put a full report together in response to the many queries.

There is clearly a proverbial game of chess taking place between councillors and officials in the process of reaching a deal.

The planned reduction in expenditure in the four municipal districts – Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris and West Mayo – has angered elected members who are concerned that community groups will suffer as a result.