Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for a Partnership Government (PPG) sets out a number of requirements in relation to local government reform. In particular, the PPG envisages the submission of a report to Government and the Oireachtas on potential measures to boost local government leadership and accountability, and to ensure that local government funding, structures and responsibilities strengthen local democracy.

Proposals to address a number of the PPG requirements have been the subject of consideration by Government. Among the issues addressed in this context is municipal governance, including the questions of town or borough status and local electoral areas, as referenced in the PPG. Following recent consideration by Government, a paper on this matter has been referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Planning, and Local Government, for consideration.

The draft paper contains proposals for enhanced urban governance in the local government system, including strengthening the role of the relevant municipal district members in areas such as financial and budgetary matters, economic, social and cultural regeneration and development of towns, and co-ordinating and prioritising investment in that regard. I understand that the Joint Committee will consider this and other papers on local government matters pursuant to the PPG at a meeting on 31 May.