The Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to consider directly elected mayors in cities as part of a broader range of local government reform measures aimed at strengthening local democracy. In response to this commitment, work on a policy report on local government leadership, including directly elected mayors for cities, is advancing in my Department.
This report will examine the range of functions that might be assigned to a directly elected mayor for cities, the geographic areas applicable, and the governance arrangements underpinning the role.
The intention is that, once approved by Government, the policy report will proceed to the Oireachtas for consideration.