Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On boundaries, I am glad it will no longer be possible to alter a boundary between two local authorities without the consent of both. We have problems as all of us can see in our counties. For example, Drogheda has sprawled into County Meath leading to an attempted land grab. Since then, an attempt has been made to secure city status for the town which would encompass even more areas of County Meath. The proposal is not feasible. This issue must be addressed and I am glad the report makes proposals in this area. I agree with Senator Boyhan that the independent commission must report promptly.

On budgets, the report focuses too much on the deficiencies the authors believe were in the old town council system without acknowledging the major benefits of town councils, including the delivery of good governance. It is fine if people have an agenda that they do not want to see town councils re-established. I want them re-established in certain major urban areas and I will continue to fight in this committee to see proposed legislation in this area progressed. The report attacks the previous system and highlights only what was bad. The failure to consider what was done right means we miss out on the delivery of good services at town level.