Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions or communications he has had with Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes concerning the possible reduction in the number of local authorities from 34 to 22; the way that the reduction will be achieved; if, at any time, or in any form, the local authorities to be affected were identified or indicated; the local authorities that were affected; if he has accepted this particular recommendation of the review group; the way he intends to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36568/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The general issue of local government structures will be addressed definitively in the White Paper on Local Government. The development of the White Paper has had regard to a number of relevant policy developments and publications, including the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. Currently, there are 34 city and county councils and a further 80 town councils.

The report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group, established to review the cost base, expenditure of and numbers employed in local authorities, is of relevance. The Review Group recommended the delivery of corporate service functions on a joint basis across contiguous local authorities, achieved by establishing joint management structures. The Review Group recommended ten such joint administrative areas.

The Limerick Local Government Committee, in its September 2009 report, contained a recommendation to merge Limerick City Council and Limerick County Council. A dedicated Cabinet Committee has been engaged in finalising the policy decisions for inclusion in the White Paper on Local Government. I intend to publish the White Paper as soon as possible following completion of the Government's deliberations. On the specific issue of local government in Limerick, I will bring proposals to Government for discussion, with a view to early implementation of the Government's decisions.