Local Government Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Questions (1700)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1700. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to reinstate former borough councils in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54308/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Programme for a Partnership Government sets out a number of requirements in relation to local government reform. This involves the submission of a report to Government and the Oireachtas on potential measures to boost local government leadership and accountability, and to ensure that local government funding, structures and responsibilities strengthen local democracy.

The Programme also references some specific issues to be considered such as the concept of directly elected mayors in cities, devolution of new powers to local authorities, reducing the size of local electoral areas, and town council status. 

The issue raised in the Question will be addressed in this report which will be submitted to Government shortly.