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

Question 285: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if in addition to creating new town councils in towns with the required population he is also considering expanding the powers of town councils that were former town commissioners; if new town councils will be established within the lifetime of this Government; if expanded powers to existing town councils will require legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39885/06]

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

The Local Government Act 2001 has been designed to provide a modern legislative framework for all local authorities. Under the Act all town councils, including former town commissioners, may take action to promote the community interest; exercise a representational role, with an office of mayor and structured linkage to the county council; provide local amenities and raise a local community contribution; make local bye laws and have statutory input to the local development plan process under the planning code. Under Section 185 of the 2001 Act, which sets out the provisions for the establishment of new town councils, the powers of new town councils would correspond to those of former town commissioners and any proposal for expanded powers would require amending legislation. Certain town councils, other than former town commissioners, are under the relevant statutory service codes responsible for certain mainline functions in the housing, roads and sanitary services areas. The Oireachtas in its comprehensive review and restatement of local government legislative powers in recent years did not extend responsibility for such mainline functions to additional town councils. Amending legislation would be required to give expanded powers to existing town councils. 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 in this regard, as the opportunities arise. 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.