Galway Bay fm newsroom - Galway county councillors have postponed their decision on the sanctioning of the first tranche of funding to support the European Capital of Culture project.
At this week's meeting at County Hall, councillors were informed of a recommendation from Corporate Policy Group level that €2 million be provided towards the designation , with further monies to be provided at a later date.
The total financial commitment from the city and county councils will amount to €12 million overall.
Other major sources of funding from the Department, EU and the private sector will only become available at a later stage in the project.
Interim CEO Kevin Kelly told the meeting the €2 million could be taken from the capital account which he said was in a 'healthy scenario', and added that it would not be done by reducing services.
Independent councillor Tim Broderick questioned the return on investment for county areas such as Ballinasloe.
He said the city has embraced 2020 and can already see the benefits - and suggested the county should stand back.
Connemara area councillor Joe Folan said he didn't want to see one red cent going out of the roads budget.
Oranmore/Athenry councillor Martina Kinnane said while she supports the bid, assurances are needed that community facilities such as playgrounds won't be affected if funding is taken out of the capital budget.
Connemara area councillor Eileen Mannion said it's important that county communities engage with the process.
Ballinasloe area councillor Michael Finnerty stressed that the county council is a partner in the process and warned now is not the time to be getting cold feet.
Following lengthy debate, it was agreed to postpone the funding decision until next month when CEO Kevin Kelly will provide further detail on the capital account option.
