Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has concluded his consultations with local government interests regarding the creation of new town councils; if not, when he will conclude same; and when he will make a decision on the matter of new town councils under the Local Government Act 2001. [21432/06]

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. The 2001 Act also facilitates improved access, interaction, linkages and service provision for all towns and areas with their respective county councils.

I am considering the steps necessary to commence the provisions of the 2001 Act in respect of new town councils. The creation of new town councils and their prospective functional responsibilities under the Act also feature in my discussions with local government interests as the opportunity arises. I will continue to keep the position under review, in tandem with consolidating progress on quality customer service measures, with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.