Newry and Mourne District Council has set its Rates for 2014-15 at a meeting earlier this evening.
Newry and Mourne District Council struck its rate to meet the cost of services it provides. They agreed to a 0% increase in the district rate. This means households in Newry and Mourne District face an increase of 1.46% in their overall rates bill (assuming Regional Rate increases by 2.7%) – an average of 20 pence per week or £10.49 per annum on a property with a capital rate value of £100,000.
Down District Council which merges with Newry and Mourne in 2015 also struck a rate of 0%
The Mayor Councillor Michael Ruane thanked Councillors and Management for their cooperation in achieving a realistic rate for 2014/15 and he said that he was pleased that Newry and Mourne District Council have continuously achieved their objective of striking a rate which is appropriate and realistic.
Councillor Charlie Casey, Group Leader for Sinn Fein stated “I am delighted that our Council has worked collaboratively to ensure we were able to strike a 0% rate rise. During a time of economic recession it is incumbrant on all parties to work together for the benefit of the ratepayers and local businesses”.
Councillor Michael Carr, Group Leader for the S.D.L.P. stated “It has given me great pleasure to achieve a 0% increase in Newry and Mourne District Council’s rate for 2014/15. A lot of time and effort has been put into the rate process to ensure we proposed a 0% rise without having any negative impact on Council Services.
During 2013/14 year the Council continued to deliver a programme of capital developments throughout the Newry and Mourne District. These included a number of schemes including:
Bloody Bridge and Donaghguy Enhancement Schemes as part of the Mourne Coastal route
Annalong Cornmill restoration underway
Commencement of construction of Kilbroney Park Events space
Newry City Centre Revitalisation and Wifi Scheme
St Patrick’s Trail complete
Mountain Bike trails completed and fully operational and provision of additional car parking space at Kilbroney Park
South Armagh Landscape Partnership bid submitted
New signage and interpretation at Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Newry Linkages Public Realm Scheme commenced
Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 1 funding for Warrenpoint Park secured
Carnegat Multi use games area.
Christmas Illuminations upgraded
Newry Maritime Project – The Docker.
Funding secured for Phase II development of Slieve Gullion Adventure Play area
Car park provision at Corry Square completed
During 2014/15 Newry and Mourne District Council will be embarking on the implementation of the largest capital programme in the history of the Local Authority which will include:
Completion of Phase I new Swimming Pool in Newry City.
Commencement Phase II new Sports Centre
Newry City Linkages Public Realm Scheme completed
Kilbroney Park Events Space completed
Kilbroney Park Narnia Trail completed
Kilbroney Park Masterplan and Mountain Bike Trail Phase II Technical Assessment carried out
Annalong Cornmill Interpretation scheme completed
Ongoing development of Public Realm Schemes at Warrenpoint (Church Street and The Square) and Newry City Cathedral Quarter
Implementation of Rural Village Plans Enhancement Schemes throughout the District
Develop plans for the Mourne Esplanade Scheme via. the SEA fund
Development Phase of Warrenpoint Park HLF Regeneration Project
Complete Crossmaglen Community Centre extension.
Culloville Community Centre – new build.
Bessbrook multi use games area.
Ballyholland Community Centre – new build.
Slieve Gullion children’s adventure play area - Phase II Giants Lair
Changing units at Orior Park and Tandragee Road playing fields.
To commence refurbishment of Newry Town Hall arising out of Feasibility Study
Additional investment in Sean Hollywood Arts Centre: improvement and enhancement of audio/visual facilities
Minor works to improve Newry and Mourne Museum exhibition spaces and meeting rooms
Increase in programming and marketing budget for the Arts
Support for Giro d’Italia event, South Armagh
Support for Ross Bicentenary event
Extension of Newry & Mourne District Council facilities at Council Offices, Monaghan Row, to accommodate the new Shadow and Super Council.
The Council will also
Replace the Air Quality Monitoring Equipment in Newry City
Provide a range of energy efficiency projects within Council Building Stock to make them greener and more efficient to run
Expand charging posts network throughout the district for electric vehicles
Work in partnership with other statutory and voluntary bodies to improve the health and wellbeing of our resident.
The Council will continue to fund community initiatives through its voluntary contribution scheme. The gross budget will be £1.5 m (including £242,000 of grant aid) which includes economic development, covers a wide range of schemes and projects and acts as a catalyst to lever substantial funds for community sectors.
Whilst the district council sets the district rate, it is the Land and Property Service that collects it. The breakdown of the Council rates is available on the Council website www.newryandmourne.gov.uk
