Questions over funding of Mayo's Mary Robinson Centre aired by councillors
THERE is some concern about funding for the Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina.
Some councillors have raised questions after the local government auditor's report noted €1.3 million towards the €5.3 million project is to come from philanthropic organisations.
To date, €300,000 has been received from that source, with the auditor saying it is important all funding sums from all sources are received to ensure the project is properly funded.
Councillor Michael Burke, at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, asked if the local authority was 'at risk' if funding from other people didn't materialise.
His south Mayo colleague Councillor Damien Ryan said others would have to 'step up' financially.
It was important that the project succeeds, he said, but perhaps it might have to be looked at on a phased or scaled back basis.
Cathaoirleach Councillor Seamus Weir said the Mary Robinson Centre is a very important project and they had to move on and get the project finished.
Councillor John O'Hara agreed it was the finest thing to happen in Ballina and he didn't want to see it put down the road.
Also supportive was Councillor Michael Loftus who said Minister Dara Calleary is pushing at government level for additional funding.
Construction of the centre is nearing completion and consideration is currently being given to the fit-out on a phased basis.
It is understood the Mary Robinson Foundation is looking at additional funding for the fit-out.
The council is having regular engagement with the board of the Victoria House Foundation with a view to agreeing a payment plan for outstanding monies owed to Mayo County Council by the foundation, who have affirmed their commitment to making payment, members were told.
FUEL CARDS
Also arising from the auditor's report, the council has appointed a dedicated fleet manager after the report flagged shortcomings in relation to the use of fuel cards.
The council has 280 fuel cards with a gross expenditure in 2021 of approximately €620,000. They were used for the purchase of business fuel and related items.
The auditor's report said the council did not have pre-set guidelines as to authorisation limits and levels of spend on cards that are consistent across the municipal districts.
The cards appeared to operate correctly but in some cases significant supporting documentation was not maintained on file.
The council should address that, the auditor advised.
In a response, the council noted the acknowledgement that the fuel cards, in general, are operating correctly.
The council has appointed a dedicated fleet manager and work is underway to review all aspects of fleet procurement and management and will address the card issues raised by the auditor.