The AILG today warmly welcomes the Cabinet’s formal approval of the establishment of a Local Democracy Taskforce, a landmark development for local government reform in Ireland.
This new Taskforce represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen local democracy. Crucially, it places the voices of democratically elected Councillors at the heart of shaping a more accountable, transparent, and citizen-centred system of local government.
The Government has confirmed that there will be 5 Councillor positions on the Taskforce, ensuring the voice of Councillors will be central to its deliberations and outcomes.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Minister John Cummins TD, has specifically acknowledged that the policy and research initiatives undertaken by AILG – including our Local Government Manifesto Building Stronger Local Government and Maynooth University Research Report The 21st Century Councillor in Irish Local Government – will significantly inform the work of the Taskforce.
This recognition underlines the Association’s sustained and strategic advocacy over the past 18 months. AILG has persistently highlighted the need to address the growing democratic deficit in local government, where the decision-making powers and resources of elected members have been gradually eroded.
Speaking today, AILG President Cllr. Kieran O’Hanlon stated:
“Today is a defining moment for local democracy in Ireland. For far too long, elected Councillors have worked within a system that does not fully recognise or support the vital role they play in representing their communities. This Taskforce presents the first real opportunity in over a decade to address those structural imbalances – from the powers and functions of elected members to local authority finance and self-revenue raising powers.”
“I want to reaffirm AILG’s commitment to our members that the Association will engage fully and constructively with the Taskforce through our representation and will continue to champion meaningful reform that empowers Councillors, upholds democratic accountability, and enhances the quality of services delivered to our citizens.”
The Local Democracy Taskforce will explore a wide range of crucial issues across four core pillars – Structure, Finance, Functions, and Governance/Accountability. These include:
• Upholding the principle of subsidiarity, ensuring decisions are made as close to the citizen as possible;
• Rebalancing power between elected Councillors and executive management;
• Enhancing fiscal autonomy and enabling Councillors to have greater input into local authority budgets;
• Strengthening the framework and powers of Municipal Districts and Area Committees;
• Improving governance and accountability mechanisms between elected members and Chief Executives;
• Supporting the safety, wellbeing, and diversity of Councillors in public life.
The Taskforce, chaired by Jim Breslin, former Secretary General of several Government Departments, is expected to commence work later this month and report within 6–9 months. It comprises elected member representative bodies, including AILG, senior local authority officials, oversight agencies, and independent experts.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Taskforce Terms of Reference
A copy of the agreed Terms of Reference for the Taskforce are available here on the Taskforce webpage.
Further information on the background to the Taskforce, the substantial existing body of work informing the Terms of Reference is available on the Taskforce webpage.
Association of Irish Local Government (AILG)
AILG is the primary body proudly representing the democratically elected members and their member local authority. It is a networking, policy development and training resource for the elected members of Ireland’s thirty-one County and City Councils. Through regular interaction with other stakeholders in the local government environment, the AILG aims to ensure that the contribution of Ireland’s democratically elected Councillors is appreciated in Government Departments and throughout the full range of public agencies.
For more information, please contact Elaine Lynch, AILG – e.lynch@ailg.ie
