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Local Government Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018

Thursday, 8 March 2018

Ceisteanna (662, 674)

James Browne

Ceist:

662. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the 28 largest towns that will be granted borough and district status under legislation proposed by his Department; the details of the next seven towns in order of size of population that will not be granted borough and district status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11431/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

674. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the timeframe for his proposed changes to the municipal district system; the towns involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11612/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 674 together.

The Programme for a Partnership Government (PPG) sets out a number of requirements in relation to local government reform. In particular, the PPG envisages the submission of a report to Government and the Oireachtas on potential measures to boost local government leadership and accountability, and to ensure that local government funding, structures and responsibilities strengthen local democracy.  

 Proposals to address a number of the PPG requirements have been the subject of consideration by Government, in light of which it is envisaged that the matters involved will be referred to the Oireachtas for consideration. Among the issues being addressed in this context is municipal governance, including the questions of town or borough status and local electoral areas, as referenced in the PPG. Pending referral of the matters involved to the Oireachtas, I am not in a position to provide further details.

The review of local electoral areas, which is currently in progress, is relevant in this context. The terms of reference of the review provide for the designation of distinct urban-focused local electoral areas for towns of 15,000 or more population and other county towns. Full details in that regard will become available when the reports on the review are submitted in June 2018.

Information regarding the population of towns is provided in the census of population reports which are available at www.cso.ie.

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