Sligo County Council defends spend on consultants for active travel schemes saying it was ‘highly complex work’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The amount of money being paid to consultants working under the Active Travel Programme initiative was criticised by councillors at the December meeting of Sligo County Council but the spend was defended by Director of Services Jim Molloy who said the work being carried out is “highly complex.”

Addressing the meeting in relation to his motion Cllr Thomas Walsh said, “This is the definition of bureaucracy. This council is no different to other local authorities. We need to look at the high percentage being paid to consultants. We have six projects waiting approval and they will all be fighting for funding.

"It is very frustrating where we are spending large amounts of money on consultants. I believe it is only matter of time before active travel is moved entirely back to the council.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Dara Mulvey who said, “It is no fault of Sligo County Council and the excellent staff we have. These projects could be achieved just as good, a lot quicker and save a lot of money.”

In reply Mr Molloy said “We wouldn’t have the speciality of staff to do that. It is highly detailed and highly complex.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.