No additional financial support for WCC after €515k scam

The government has no plans to provide additional financial support to Westmeath County Council despite its annual budget being down over half a million euros due to an online scam.

That's the message Deputy Sorca Clarke received when she recently submitted a parliamentary question to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O'Brien enquiring if central government would be helping the council fill the significant hole in its coffers.

Responding to Deputy Clarke's question, Minister O'Brien said:

“I was informed that Westmeath County Council has recently been subject to a third-party payment fraud in the amount of approximately €515,000.

“I understand that as soon as the council became aware of the matter it took all appropriate measures, including engaging with its insurer and specialist advisers. The issue is under investigation by An Garda Síochána and the council is cooperating fully with that investigation. In addition, the council is engaging with the supplier affected.

“There are currently no plans to provide additional financial support in relation to this matter. When investigations are complete, Westmeath County Council will issue a further statement.

“Local authorities have anti-fraud and corruption policies in place. The procedures in Westmeath County Council’s anti fraud and corruption policy have been triggered and will inform the actions that they now undertake to address this matter.”