Last week, the Association welcomed a delegation from the Ukrainian Parliament and Government as part of an experience exchange visit focused on strengthening local government systems, particularly in the areas of internal control, audit and governance. During the engagement, Executive Director Tommy Moylan delivered a presentation which outlined Ireland’s robust and multi-layered model of local self-government, underpinned by constitutional recognition in Bunreacht na hÉireann and supported by strong statutory frameworks, independent audit through the Local Government Audit Service, and oversight by bodies such as National Oversight and Audit Commission. During the exchange, AILG members also highlighted the Association’s active role in European cooperation through the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, including its secretariat role to the Irish delegation and its formal partnership arrangements with Ukrainian local government through a Declaration of Friendship and Memorandum of Cooperation. The AILG also noted Ireland’s contribution at the 50th Congress reinforced the central role of local authorities in Ukraine’s reconstruction and gave a commitment to advance its memorandum of cooperation with Ukrainian local government including knowledge exchange, capacity building, and municipal partnerships.
