Sligo county councillors have voted to accept a €1 million cut to the council’s budget.

County manager Hubert Kearns yesterday cited “uncertainty regarding income from the household charge” when he called on councillors to agree a €1 million cut to the  budget - the proposal was approved by a majority of one.

During a highly charged debate Fine Gael councillors were accused of trying to railroad through cuts which would impact most on vulnerable people, as Fianna Fáil and Independent members unsuccessfully sought additional information and a special meeting, before being forced to vote on the issue.

Yesterday’s vote will see the council’s expenditure cut from almost €63 million to just under €62 million, and comes just three months after the annual budget was approved.

In a surprising development, a majority of 13 to nine voted to hold a special meeting later this month to discuss the adjustment, even though it has now been approved.