Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

747. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the timelines his Department has in place to deliver the local government reforms mentioned in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23795/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Programme for Government recognises that local government is the beating heart of our democracy. A significant priority is the establishment of a Local Democracy Taskforce with the Local Government sector to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government which is ongoing. The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce are currently under development in my Department and these will have due regard to the commitments in the Programme for Government.

Following further consideration and input from key stakeholders, they will be brought to Government for approval. The first meeting of the Taskforce will take place as soon as possible thereafter. It is expected that the Taskforce will submit its recommendations within 6-9 months from its establishment. Any legislative change to the Local Government Acts arising from the work of the Taskforce will be progressed thereafter.

Concurrent to the establishment of the Taskforce, work will continue on the progression of a number of other Programme for Government commitments, with a view to agreeing revised policy and identification of any required legislative change which could be made at the same time

The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments in relation to promoting diversity and gender balance in local government. While the existing initiatives and funding streams in the area of gender and diversity are broadly in alignment with the Programme for Government, and are having a positive impact, it is expected that this policy area is one which may also be considered by the Local Democracy Task Force.

The Programme for Government also commits to supporting the office of the Directly Elected Mayor of Limerick and considering further plebiscites in Dublin and other cities. The Mayor of Limerick took up office in June 2024 and my Department continues to support that newly established office in Limerick City and County Council. The first Limerick Mayoral and Government Consultative Forum meeting, which facilitates direct engagement between the Mayor of Limerick and Government Ministers, was held in Limerick on 28 March 2025 and was chaired by the Taoiseach.