Edgar Morgenroth: Spending between the regions needs more clarity

Lacking an explicit regional funding formula, the Republic only has the relatively limited and opaque system of grants from the central government to local authorities

Edgar Morgenroth says that in the run up to the local elections there will be an increased focus on the levels of funding and investment going into counties and regions. 

In the run up to the local elections there will be an increased focus on the levels of funding and investment going into counties and regions. 

It is normal that weaker regions, at least in developed countries, receive transfers but the level of transfer is debated in most countries, and Ireland is no different. There are regular calls for more funding and for a fairer sharing of resources. In particular, the perception that Dublin is receiving a disproportionate level of resources is often heard, while Dublin residents point to the fact that a significant share of Ireland’s income is generated in the region.