Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am satisfied that the Bill respects carefully the history and civic traditions associated with local government. For example, it reiterates the recognition given in the Local Government Act 2001 to various historic charters for civic ceremonial purposes. Specifically, it provides that the title of "mayor" will be reserved for cities and municipal districts that contain boroughs and county towns, or towns with a population of over 20,000 at the last census. In other cases, the officer will be entitled "chair", "cathaoirleach" or "leader".

The Bill also provides the option of adopting the title "mayor" would no longer be available to county councils. It restores the position that applied prior to the Local Government Act 2001. When examples of largely rural authorities having a mayor can be found, the more usual practice internationally is for the office of mayor to be associated with significant urban centres. Confining the office of mayor to larger urban centres will enhance the status of that historic office. Therefore, I cannot support the amendment.