Galway City Council made history on Monday night by agreeing the annual budget for 2008 in just one night.

In previous years, negotiations had taken place over a number of nights with councillors debating over how the funds should be used. However, a marathon six-hour session saw the 15 councillors unanimously adopt a new budget.

Major issues including the abolition of the waste waiver, as well as the increase of commercial rates and parking charges in the city, were dealt with in a four-hour question and answer session before a short recess. Following their break, the councillors returned to the chamber to put forward balanced budget proposals. The proposal session ended with two possible budgets being put forward by PD Cllr Declan McDonnell and Labour's Cllr Billy Cameron.

Amid some confusion over how to progress with the meeting, it was decided to have a further five-minute recess while councillors discussed budgetary issues. During the break, agreement was reached; with the two proposals being amalgamated into one, which was unanimously adopted by the council.

The waste waiver was included in the budget while rate increases will remain at 3.8 per cent. Hourly parking charges will increase by 40c per hour while daily charges will stay at €4. A further €80,000 was distributed to sports and cultural groups around the city, including a €30,000 funding boost for the Galway Arts Festival while €10,000 was allocated for the provision of bollards to ensure safety on footpaths in the city.

Speaking to the Galway Independent, City Manager Joe McGrath paid tribute to Mayor Tom Costello and the city councillors for their diligence in getting the budget settled in one meeting.

"I am very pleased with the budget overall. It is a huge achievement, especially as this is such a progressive plan. In each section, there is something new so as well as being a safe, sound budget we are still pushing ahead. It is amazing to get the whole budget settled in one night and I would like to pay tribute to the mayor and the councillors for their co-operation."

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