Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I will talk to the Minister. The abolition of town councils was a big mistake. I said that at the time, although I was in opposition. I think it was introduced by Brendan Howlin but he subsequently said it was a mistake. I am a great believer in restoring councils or creating new councils in line with the programme for Government. I will have a look at who is on the task force because there are always people who just want to maintain the status quo. Local representation is positive for local democracy and for local areas. I want to see that advance and that is the Government position. I particularly refer to new and growing areas. Many towns around the country had great visionary urban district councils in the past. They did not have a whole lot of money but they had good vision for their areas, which then dovetailed with national plans, resulting in very good cultural, social and developmental progress in towns the length and breadth of the country.

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