The reality is that the demands of local government have greatly increased over the past ten years or so. The range and complexity of local government functions, be they in the field of planning, infrastructure, housing or environmental services, have altered dramatically. Local authorities now have a greater role in promoting social inclusion and in local development initiatives generally. This is reflected in part in the varied and wide range of bodies to which local councillors are now appointed, which include Leader groups, port companies, health boards, county enterprise boards, county development boards and vocational education committees. Local councils now play a significant role in local community development groups, tourism promotion and tackling social exclusion. Such involvement is vital to provide for a more co-ordinated approach to local development and proper democratic input to meeting the wide rage of local community needs.