Local Government Reform

Thursday, 5 March 2026

Questions (215, 250)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

215. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline his approach and plans for local government reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16266/26]

View answer

Thomas Gould

Question:

250. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm the date the Local Government Taskforce is expected to deliver its report to Government; and whether he will agree to publish this on receipt. [16728/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 250 together.

On 4 June 2025, the Government approved the establishment of a Local Democracy Taskforce, which will finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government in Ireland. The establishment of the Taskforce is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce, agreed by Government, set out an ambitious and detailed work programme, which it is expected will give rise to a series of reforms in the local government sector.

The Taskforce met on 9 occasions, most recently on 25 February, and were supported in their efforts by Pillar Groups that provided subject matter and technical expertise to the Taskforce throughout the process.

It is expected that the Taskforce will submit its final report shortly for consideration by Government. I am keen see the momentum for implementing reform maintained and so it is my intention to prepare an implementation plan for consideration by Government over the coming weeks. Following this, the report and implementation plan will be published and the process of implementing the reform policy ultimately agreed by Government will commence.