David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would have liked to have spoken at greater length but I do not wish to delay the legislation. A number of issues arise. I was reading about the history of Youghal. It is notable that Youghal received its charter in 1209.

There has been a mayor in Youghal since 1209 and this rich tradition is invaluable. The history of Youghal is mind blowing. Walter Raleigh lived in Myrtle Grove, Youghal and he brought tobacco and potatoes to Ireland. The Clock Gate was built in 1777 and it was used to hang people. There is a great deal going on in the town. I am sad that this history and tradition will come to an end. I ask Members to consider what we mean by leadership in a locality. Often in towns and cities in the US and Europe, the mayor is the leader and focal point. He or she has a responsibility and authority to make things happen and to lead the people. Last year the mayor of Cobh visited New York and attended a number of functions and because he was wearing the chain, he represented the people of the town. I am sad that this might be lost. Perhaps there are ways and means to prevent this tradition being lost completely. Will the Minister and officials examine whether there is a way to preserve this tradition, which has been unbroken in Youghal since 1209? Youghal had its charter before Dublin, which received its charter in 1229, and Belfast which received its charter in 1613. We must move carefully to see what we can do.

County Cork is large and it has eight municipal districts, although they do not have any authority. A number of these districts have more people living in them than some of our smaller counties. For instance, Fermoy district has more people than County Leitrim. The west Cork district has eight seats and it is extraordinarily long. It extends from the peninsulas almost as far as Kinsale. Where will the centre of leadership be in this districts? What powers will the new committees have? Will there be a mayor in each district? Where will the staff be located? It must be borne in mind that they have local knowledge, which they have built up over many years. It must be clarified how they will be organised given their concern about their future. They know the people, houses, streets, roads and so forth in their areas and they work well within them.

Deputy Conway pointed out community councils will be established. Carrigaline, Glanmire and Ballincollig are large towns that do not have local councils but they are working well. I acknowledge what the Minister is trying to do by establishing districts with a critical mass of people. There are rural areas in the hinterland of towns which are represented currently by county councillors rather than town councillors. I would like the smaller districts to be cohesive, thereby making leadership clearer.

Where will the responsibility for budgets lie? The members can have a discussion with the new chief executive officer but they will not have control of their own budgets or the ability to raise money locally. The property tax is linked to this. It is important that there should be clarity. If somebody pays the local property tax, he or he should know what he or she is getting in return. This legislation presents an opportunity for major reform of the local authority system and to inform people how the property tax is being collected and how it is being spent.

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