Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 572: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the specific outstanding issues which remain to be resolved in order to allow the creation of new town councils to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31877/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. Local authorities, as part of the local government modernisation programme, also have extensive capacity to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances and local demands, including those of economic and population growth.

I am considering the steps necessary to commence the relevant provisions of the 2001 Act in respect of new town councils and I am in discussion with local government interests, as the opportunities arise, on the prospective functional responsibilities of such town councils. I continue to keep the position under review, while consolidating progress on quality customer service measures, with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.