Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

This section refers to mechanisms to allow local authorities to transfer what I understand is the income from the charges to town councils that are concerned about the administration in their own areas. Senator Doherty mentioned the income from these charges. Thanks to the Oireachtas Library and Research unit we have a very good graph with estimates of the income that various local authorities can expect from this charge. Dublin City Council is high on the graph, as are the large counties, Cork and Donegal. The income for small counties such as Monaghan, Carlow and Longford and even Waterford city is low down the list. Waterford county, where I come from, can expect a fairly low income compared with other local authority areas.

There are some town councils in its administrative area, including Tramore and Lismore, but other towns such as Portlaw, Kilmacthomas and Dunmore do not have town councils although they are larger than some that do have councils. How will the local authorities be required to spend this charge when they take it in? Will there be any requirements by ministerial order or otherwise to ensure local authorities share the income from this charge among the towns that do not have councils? There seems to be no facility for that. Do we have to rely on good management in the local authorities, through their managers and directors of services?