Councillors to get greater powers under local government reform plan
Local councillors are set to receive enhanced powers and greater influence over spending decisions under a major package of local government reforms unveiled by Waterford TD and Minister of State for Local Government John Cummins
Local councillors are set to receive enhanced powers and greater influence over spending decisions under a major package of local government reforms unveiled by Waterford TD and Minister of State for Local Government John Cummins.
The Government recently published the Local Democracy Taskforce Report alongside an implementation plan containing 79 measures aimed at strengthening local democracy between 2026 and 2029.
Among the key proposals is the replacement of Municipal Districts with Municipal Councils, which will be given greater budgetary and decision-making powers.
The reforms also include new oversight and governance committees, increased support for councillors and measures designed to strengthen links between local and central government.
The implementation plan is based around eight objectives, including improving community engagement, increasing transparency, strengthening financial sustainability and expanding the role of elected councillors and local authority executives.
"This report marks a significant step towards rebalancing the relationship between elected members and the executive," said Minister Cummins.
The minister, who served as a Waterford councillor for 11 years before entering national politics, said the changes would ensure councillors have greater authority and access to information while maintaining effective service delivery by local authorities.
Other measures include expanded training and research supports for councillors, publication of additional performance and governance data, examination of new revenue sources for local authorities and the development of a framework for transferring additional revenue while maintaining effective service delivery by local authorities.
An implementation steering group chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will oversee the rollout of the reforms and report to Minister Cummins and Housing Minister James Browne.
The Government said the programme will require a combination of legislative and administrative changes, with further local government reforms expected to be considered during the implementation phase.
