Local Authorities Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Ceisteanna (275)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

275. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that a special exemption has been given to Kilkenny that allows it to retain its Mayor from 2014 onwards, if he will take into consideration the fact that Killarney is the capital of tourism here (details supplied); if he will give special status to Killarney, County Kerry and allow it in future to elect its own Mayor; if he will take into consideration the fact that the Mayor is extremely important to Killarney, the business and hospitality industry, even more so than most towns and cities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47859/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Local Government Bill 2013 does not provide a special exemption for Kilkenny in relation to the position of its Mayor. The Bill provides for all municipal districts containing current Borough Councils, including Kilkenny, or towns with a population of 20,000 to have the option of adopting the title of Mayor. I am satisfied that the provisions of the Bill in this regard reflect appropriately the status and relevant application of the mayoral title.