Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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96. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to re-introduce town councils; the way in which he will approach this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65158/25]

John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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The Local Government Reform Act 2014 dissolved 80 town councils which represented just 14% of the population. The previous town council system also led to duplication both in administrative and electoral terms. Instead, the Act saw the introduction of 95 municipal districts, representing 100% of the population in 25 of the 31 local authorities at sub-county level, while area committees would operate in the 3 city authorities of Cork, Dublin and Galway, and the 3 Dublin county authorities.

Each municipal district can include several towns and villages and their hinterlands, with local matters dealt with at municipal district level and wider strategic issues decided at county level. The result is an integrated administrative structure in each county, which maximises operational efficiency while ensuring devolved decision-making throughout the county.

The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a ‘Local Democracy Taskforce’ with the local government sector to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government. The Taskforce will bring forward proposals in 2026 which the Government will consider on matters relating to the structure, finance, functions and governance and accountability of local government. I look forward to receiving and considering the recommendations of the Taskforce in due course.