At its meeting of 27 September, 2018, the Government agreed in principle that plebiscites would be held in Cork City Council, Limerick City and County Council, Waterford City and County Council, Galway City Council and Galway County Council on directly elected mayors with executive functions at the same time as the local government elections in May 2019. This decision was subject to the necessary provisions for the holding of the plebiscites being included in the Local Government Bill 2018 and the requirement that I would revert to Government with more detailed proposals on the plebiscites, the questions to be put and the specific powers to be given to mayors.
On 26 November, 2018, the Government approved Committee Stage Amendments providing for the holding of plebiscites as part of the Local Government Bill 2018. The Committee Stage process concluded on 6 December and the Bill proceeds this week to Report Stage.
My Department is also working to produce the more detailed policy proposals required. These proposals, including an analysis of the costs involved, are at an advanced stage of preparation and will be submitted shortly to Government.