Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
910. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his officials have considered a notice of motion passed by the Shannon Municipal District of Clare County Council in March 2019 subsequently referred to his Department, calling for town status to be granted to the densely populated cluster of Westbury, Shannon Banks and Carraid Midhe in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13698/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government Reform Act 2014 established municipal districts as the fundamental sub-county level of governance and democratic representation in the State. Separate town councils are not provided for under the Act. Municipal districts are a key decision-making component, with specified reserved powers, of plenary councils and each municipal district can include several towns and their hinterlands.
The new Programme for Government specifically commits to ensuring a strong voice for towns at the heart of local authority decision making. It also commits to considering the review by the Institute of Public Administration regarding the role and operation of municipal districts with a view to strengthening local democracy and to identifying local needs and initiatives needed to strengthen and grow our communities, villages and towns in a sustainable manner. This review, which was published on 25 June 2020, is available on the Institute's website at https://www.ipa.ie/_fileUpload/Documents/MunicipalReport_June2020.pdf .
