Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Local government reform has had a long and thorny history in Ireland. As it stands, the system is not serving its communities adequately. It remains only a reflection of an ambitious system that has not lived up to expectations since it was originally designed. It no longer remains efficient or relevant to modern Ireland and reform of this system is overdue.

Local government must serve its communities. Local knowledge is essential in dealing with local issues. Instead local government has become a cumbersome system making little tangible difference to local communities. As we are all too aware, Ireland can ill afford a bloated local government structure, hamstrung by inefficiency.

As it exists, our local government system has become a shell, limited in revenue raising powers, in accountability and in self-reliance. We have seen a trend whereby the funding and responsibilities of government are being progressively centralised in Dublin. Real power would mean having a meaningful role in local budgets or issues. I welcome a Bill that proposes reforming this system. However, I am disappointed that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will get only 65% of its property tax take for 2014. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is one of the few councils that is not in debt. I understand that during these difficult economic times, we must all play a part. However, I question why Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown residents must carry more than their share of the economic burden, when other local authorities have overspent and not been as vigilant with their budgets.

I have some concerns over the introduction of a mayor of Dublin. Similar to the position in the UK, a directly elected mayor should be a political figure in her or his own right. This position cannot be merely ceremonial; it must be an effective position. If we introduce a directly elected mayor to Dublin, that person would have to be mindful and sensitive to all the needs of the greater Dublin area. While this mayor would be advised by the four local representatives of Dublin, the office must represent all the diversity Dublin has to offer. The mayor would have a responsibility for all the environs of Dublin from Tallaght to Dún Laoghaire, not just the city proper.

I would be concerned, however, that such a powerful figure could have an ability to override local initiatives. Dún Laoghaire has been making great progress in cruise tourism and promoting an international diaspora centre. Our villages and towns are fighting back having endured a difficult time. I am concerned that the Dún Laoghaire agenda would be sacrificed for the sake of other initiatives for Dublin city centre.

We must be vigilant that each local Dublin area is championed with equal measure. Regard also must be given to the fact that Dún Laoghaire residents would be contributing significant revenue through high property tax and their voices need to be heard. Our small business associations are supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. If it continues to retain only 65% of its property tax take, our council and residents will suffer.

We need a local government that can serve its communities. To do this, we need a system that is relevant to the needs of modern Ireland. This cannot be achieved without reforming the system.

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