Local government for a 21st century Ireland

As part of its continuing work on democracy and governance in Ireland, TASC is working to influence forthcoming legislation to reform local government in Ireland.

Past research conducted by TASC revealed that the Irish state is highly centralised, under-funded and poorly organised. Unlike many countries in Europe, Irish local government does not allow for real local decision-making by communities, particularly in key areas of life including education, health and transport, which the Government committed to when it ratified the European Charter on Local Self-Government.

TASC has since engaged in a collaborative policy development process to inform its own recommendations to the Government. Roundtable meetings and a public forum brought together the general public, public officials, elected representatives and academics to consider the future of reform; the latter event also welcomed the participation of the Minister for Local Government, Mr. John Gormley TD.

This article was published in Politeia Newsletter 48 - February 2008