Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 504: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to establish an independent commission to review the town boundaries for Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12931/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under the provisions of Part V of the Local Government Act 1991 and the associated regulations, it is open to a local authority to initiate a proposal for the alteration of its boundaries. This involves preparation of a formal boundary alteration proposal by the authority concerned, including financial, organisational and other implications; invitation of public submissions and consultation with the other local authorities affected by the proposal, prior to submitting a formal application to the Minister. While a number of town boundary alterations have been made in recent years, no boundary application from Carlow Town Council is before my Department.

Part 8 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that a local authority proposing to alter its boundary would follow similar procedures but make the application directly to an independent Local Government Commission which would then report to the Minister on the matter. The establishment of the Local Government Commission to enable the commencement of Part 8 is under consideration.