Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 649: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if progress has been made with regard to the commencement of the provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 that will empower towns to apply for town council status; the stage of establishment of the Local Government Commission; if he has had consultations with local government interests, including the various local government bodies regarding the commencement of these sections of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34159/05]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 653: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if regulations will be issued under the Local Government Act 2001 to allow, by order, the establishment of new town councils in 2005; if he does not intend to issue these regulations in 2005 when he expects to be in a position to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34226/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 649 and 653 together.

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 linkages for all towns 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. Thereafter, a decision on such a proposal is a reserved function of the relevant county council following a public consultation process. Following these local steps, the proposal must then be submitted to the Local Government Commission for preparation of a report and recommendations to the Minister.

I am considering the steps necessary to commence the relevant provisions of the 2001 Act, including in respect of the establishment of the Local Government Commission, and I have met a number of vibrant community groups, including both Celbridge and Maynooth community councils. I have initiated consultation with local government interests regarding the creation of new town councils and their prospective functional responsibilities under the Act. I will keep the position under review with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.