Offaly authorities help save €830m over four years

Local authorities throughout Ireland have collectively achieved €830.3m in savings in the past four years. According to Offaly County Manager Pat Gallagher these savings have been mainly achieved through efficiency gains, and particularly in the area of payroll. "Offaly Local Authorities have already reduced its staffing numbers by 25% between 2008 and 2012," he said, adding that local authorities in Offaly are among those leading the reform agenda nationwide according to a new report by the County and City Managers' Association (CCMA). The savings achieved far exceed the target of €511m set by the Local Government Efficiency Review in 2010. Speaking this week Mr Gallagher said the savings achieved have been achieved "while maintaining front line services". Just last week news of an almost €3m budget cut for Offaly County Council broke, as a result of a deficit and less money coming from the local government fund as a result of household charge payment non-compliance. Mr Gallagher said the focus of all local government reforms is to increase efficiencies decrease impacts on front line services and supporting local enterprise. "Our focus in Offaly Local Authorities is no different," he said. "Commercial rates have not been increased and efficiencies through changed work practices, additional shared services and depot rationalisation have delivered much needed savings." The reform process is now entering its second phase, where shared services are a priority. Mr Gallagher said Offaly local authorities will continue to work together and with other local authorities to deliver in the area. "As an example of a Shared Service initiative, Offaly County Council is now the National Waste Permit Office," he explained.