436 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government when he intends to introduce the provisions in relation to town council status, for towns with no local authority representation, as envisaged in the Local Government Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16711/03]
Part 17 of the Local Government Act 2001 sets out, inter alia, the procedures for the establishment of a town council in a town with a population of 7,500 or more. The various provisions of this Act are being phased into operation as part of a structured implementation programme, with about 80% of the provisions commenced to date. I envisage that the remaining provisions, including Part 17, will be commenced over the coming months.
