Dublin City Council has passed a record budget of nearly €1.5 billion.
It’s the highest ever cost to run the city and is up €140 million up on this year.
Almost half will go towards housing, while an extra €10 million has been provided to hire more staff in 2025.
However, it was reluctantly approved by councillors last night, who say it’s insufficient and more government support is needed. Failing to pass a budget would result in the council being dissolved.
One of the areas where there’s a shortfall is from the HSE for the Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance service.
The Chief Executive told public reps the cost of operating 14 ambulances was €28 million however the health service only provides around €9 million.
Despite recent meetings with the HSE and the Department of Health for more funding, Richard Shakespeare says the sum offered was “derisory” and it is now at an impasse.
