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Gnáthamharc

Local Authority Funding.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004

Thursday, 7 October 2004

Ceisteanna (255, 256)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will not reduce financial support available to Kildare County Council arising from increased development levies or charges; if, in his compilation of Estimates for 2005, he will give an assurance that the increased charges imposed by Kildare County Council and others will not bring about a reduction in rate support or other grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23957/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Income from development levies is not taken into consideration in determining grant support for local authorities, and I have no proposals to alter that.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

256 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps which are available to those who wish to upgrade the status of town council, formerly known as town commission, to urban council status; and if funds are available to those who would be interested in researching the pros and cons of such a move for any particular council. [23979/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Local Government Act 2001 was designed to provide a modern legislative framework for all local authorities. Under the Act, all town councils, including former town commissioners, may take action to promote the community interest, exercise a representational role, with an office of mayor and structured linkage to the county council; provide local amenities and raise a local community contribution; make local by-laws and have statutory input to the local development plan process under the planning code.

Certain town councils, other than former town commissioners, are under the relevant statutory service codes responsible for certain mainline functions in the housing, roads and sanitary services areas. The Oireachtas, in its comprehensive review and restatement of local government legislative powers in recent years did not extend responsibility for such mainline functions to additional town councils, and legislation would be required to amend this position.

It would not seem appropriate to provide for special grant assistance for the type of research referred to in the question.

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