Council warned to get back to basics as tourism projects cause cash crisis

Donal Hickey

Tralee Town Council went to the brink of being dissolved by Environment Minister Martin Cullen in January because of its problems in adopting a budget for the year. Repayments on loans for tourism projects are proving to be a major burden to the council.

Local government auditor Grace Coakley has warned the council not to commit itself to outside projects, such as the E16 million Jeanie Johnston replica famine ship and the 1 million Blennerville windmill and steam train before careful evaluation.