Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1909: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the fact that it is only two and a half years from the next local government elections in 2009, he has concluded his consideration of the issuing of regulations under the Local Government Act 2001 to allow by order the establishment of new town councils. [2995/07]

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. 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 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.