Annual Budget 2013 - Roscommon County Council

Manager’s Foreword
Local Government Reform – Putting People First
Putting People First reinforces Local Government as the primary means of public service at local level,
harnessing the commitment of elected members and officials. The action programme contained therein
promises to build a stronger and more cohesive Local Government, giving it a greater capacity not only to
address the challenges we face, but also to promote local community, social and economic development,
and collectively to maximise the strengths of our country as a place in which to live, to invest and to
work. The Reform Programme acknowledges, that at a critical time for our country, local government has
a crucial role to play in Ireland’s national recovery. The Programme affirms the need for the system to
embrace change, share the burden, modernise, adapt to new financial circumstances and deliver even
better services with scarce resources.
Conclusion
Notwithstanding the cutbacks, Roscommon County Council will invest a revenue budget of
€60.8m through payments to staff, contractors and local suppliers in the coming year. This
represents a major investment in the social, economic and cultural fabric of this county.
In order for us to comply with legal requirements to provide a balanced budget we have had to take some
major decisions. Adherence to this budget will entail constant monitoring of performance and if necessary
taking corrective action as the year progresses.
We will continue to provide regular financial updates to the CPG and elected members in the year ahead.
I wish to thank the elected members and staff of the Council for their support and to record my appreciation
to the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Tom Crosby and his predecessor Cllr Eugene Murphy for their commitment to
the special responsibilities of the office and for their courtesy and co-operation, along with the Corporate
Policy Group, in doing the business of the Council during 2012.
I also wish to thank the staff of all the Council Directorates who have shown great flexibility in adapting to
the changing work environment thereby ensuring the maintenance of quality services. The work of every
member of staff is of real and tangible value in supporting the economic and social vibrancy of this county.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank members of staff who retired in 2012, and to remember all
associated with the Council who have passed away during the year.
I thank the members of the Management Team, Tommy Ryan, Majella Hunt, Martin Lydon and Kathleen
Martin and the Meetings Administrator Fiona Ni Chuinn for their continued commitment and support.
Finally, I wish to thank Martin Lydon, Head of Finance & Planning, and all the staff of the Finance Unit for
their work and support in the preparation of this Budget.
Frank Dawson
County Manager
December 2012
8 Roscommon County Council | Comhairle Chontae Ros Comain | Adopted Budget 2013 | For year ended 31st December 2013