Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad Deputy Howlin has admitted that the abolition of 80 town councils and 700 town councillors, as a result of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 introduced by the former Minister, Phil Hogan, was a mistake. Many mistakes were made by that Government but at least Deputy Howlin has admitted to this one. Putting People First was, in fact, putting people last. I was a member of Bandon Town Council for ten years and served twice as mayor of the town in which I now live. I was the first female mayor of the town, an honour of which I was very glad. As such, I am supportive of the Bill.

The Labour Party's Bill reflects similarities to the Fianna Fáil legislation that passed Second Stage in 2017 following a commitment in our manifesto of 2016. The reintroduction of town councils would revitalise towns throughout west Cork and the country as a whole. I have made many references to this on many occasions. Local government is a driving force behind towns and communities because it is at the heart of job creation, democratic representation, civic participation and local service provision. Town councils ensure real issues pertaining to local matters that affect people in west Cork are tackled head-on. It is important that people engage with local communities and participate in local government. The town council structure is conducive to allowing this to happen. Issues such as housing, vacant premises, commercial rates, increasing rents, water, road infrastructure and antisocial behaviour need to be addressed urgently but, more importantly, they need to be addressed continuously. In this regard I welcome the principle of the Bill and we in Fianna Fáil will work with all parties to revitalise local democracy.

Town councils were the bottom rung of the ladder and when they are taken away it is very difficult to jump up to the next step.

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