Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
165. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the work of the Local Democracy Taskforce; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37503/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the local government task force report will to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37309/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra232. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if as part of his plans for local government reform, he intends to increase the number of councillors and their powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37478/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 199 and 232 together.
The Local Democracy Taskforce, a key commitment in the Programme for Government, was established in July 2025 with the purpose of bringing forward a suite of reforms across the Local Government Sector. The Taskforce built on the considerable body of work previously undertaken by the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), CLARE (Congress of Local and Regional Authorities) and Seanad Éireann.
The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce set out an ambitious and detailed work programme, expected to give rise to a series of reforms in the local government sector. The Taskforce considered the Structures, Functions, Funding and Governance arrangements within the sector. The Taskforce was supported in its work by four Pillar Groups who provided technical and subject matter advice to the Taskforce throughout. The Pillar Groups met on close to 40 occasions. The Taskforce, in the course of its work, considered submissions developed by stakeholders from across the sector.
In relation to the point made regarding councillor numbers, the Taskforce as part of its work programme was to “examine how the current number of councillors is determined and explore proposals for a framework for amendments including taking into consideration population growth since the 2014 reforms and the consequent need for an increase in the numbers of councillors to ensure appropriate representation of citizens”.
Taking an evidence informed approach, the Taskforce was tasked with finalising a programme of recommendations for the reform and strengthening of local government in Ireland, which will include recommendations in relation to the framework for determining councillor numbers.
The Taskforce submitted its final report to me recently. An implementation plan is currently being drafted for consideration by Government. Following this, the report and implementation plan will be published and the process of implementing the reform policy ultimately agreed by Government will commence.
