Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
628. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the local democracy taskforce have reviewed the report of the expert advisory group on local government arrangements in Galway, published in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5765/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Democracy Taskforce was established in June 2025 as a key commitment in the Programme for Government. The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce note that the Taskforce will bring forward a programme for consideration by Government on strengthening local government, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of services and implementation of Government policy for citizens. The Terms of Reference called for the Taskforce to have regard to the substantial body of work that had already been undertaken to examine the functions, funding, structures and governance and accountability arrangements across the local authority sector. The reports were;
• Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, October 2023,
• The 21st Century Councillor in Irish Local Government by Association of Irish Local Government, December 2023,
• Seanad Public Consultation Committee Report on the Future of Local Democracy, October 2024,
• Building Stronger Local Government Report by Association of Irish Local Government, November 2024.
These reports formed the basis from which the Taskforce prepared its work programme as these documents primarily focused on local democracy and local government as a whole rather than any particular singular issue. The work programme of the Taskforce, along with its supporting Pillar Groups, was agreed by the Taskforce members. The Taskforce is expected to finalise its report and submit it to Government in the coming months.
