Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 631: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the huge increases in the populations of counties close to Dublin necessitates the creation of new local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30407/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Local Government Act 2001 modernises the legislative framework, supports community involvement with local authorities in a more participative local democracy and underpins generally the programme of local government renewal including the position of county and city councils as the primary units of local government. The Act takes account of the recommendations of the 1996 report of the reorganisation commission, Towards Cohesive Local Government — Town and County, regarding improved accessibility, interaction and links for all towns and communities with their local county council as the way forward.

Part 17 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that qualified electors of a town having a population of at least 7,500 as ascertained at the last preceding census and not having a town council may make a proposal for the establishment of such a council. Under the relevant provisions of the Act, a proposal to establish a town council is a matter for the local community in the first instance. I have met a number of vibrant community groups in the area mentioned, as well as initiating consultation with local government interests, in regard to the creation of new town councils and their prospective functional responsibilities under the Act.

Local authorities, as part of the local government modernisation programme, have extensive capacity to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances and local demands, including those of economic and population growth. I will keep the position under review with the aim of ensuring good accessible service delivery for all communities and population centres.