Vol. 501 No. 4
40 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on decentralisation of local authority services throughout the counties; and if he envisages the devolution of any national services or functions to local authorities. [6077/99]
Local authorities are increasingly operating on an area basis thus bringing service delivery closer to their local communities. This is a trend I have actively supported and encouraged. The independent boundary committees I established to review local electoral areas had terms of reference which required a new focus on service delivery areas. Orders implementing the committees' reports have been made. In addition, I have provided funding to enable six one stop shop initiatives to proceed. Implementation of the recommendations of the report of the task force on the integration of local government and local development systems will, inter alia, see local authorities playing a substantial role in the integration process and in ensuring that all public services operating locally will work to a common agenda. Integration was recommended by the devolution commission. Local authorities will lead the county/city development boards, to be established from 2000, which will be responsible for drawing up and implementing a strategy for economic, social and cultural development in each county and city. The success of the county/city development boards will be a major challenge and opportunity for all the local participants, including the local authorities. Implementation of the taskforce's recommendations will give local authorities a wider role and will provide the framework under which consideration can be given to an evolving role for local government with a wider range of functions.
