Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2008
924 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the proposal by Waterford City Council for a boundary extension to the north of the city; if he proposes to have the proposal considered by the Local Government Commission under sections 59 and 60 of the Local Government Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28878/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe procedures currently governing boundary alterations are set out in Part V of the Local Government Act 1991 and in the Local Government (Boundary Alteration) Regulations 1996. Under these provisions, it is open to a local authority to initiate a proposal for the alteration of its boundaries. This involves preparation of a formal boundary alteration proposal by the authority concerned including financial, organisational and other implications, invitation of public submissions, and consultation with the other local authorities affected by the proposal, prior to submitting a formal application to the Minister. I understand that Waterford City Council is developing a boundary alteration application under the above legislation.
The provisions of Parts 8 and 11 of the Local Government Act 2001, which would supersede Part V of the 1991 Act and which provide for the establishment of the Local Government Commission, have yet to be commenced.
In this regard it should be noted that the Green Paper on Local Government, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change sets out options in relation to the Local Government Commission, and discusses the related issue of local authority boundary changes. The Green Paper is currently the subject of a public consultation process which will remain open until July 31.
