Latest news with #LocalGovernmentActs
Irish Examiner
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Cork's Anglesea Street could be renamed MacSwiney Street next year if legislation is changed
Legislation which would pave the way for Anglesea Street in Cork to be renamed MacSwiney Street could be progressed next year. City councillors voted in 2021 to move forward with the name change to honour the family of Cork's most famous lord mayor, Terence MacSwiney. The street, on which a Garda station, Cork City Fire Brigade's HQ, the Cork courthouse and the main entrance to Cork City Hall are all located, had been planned to be renamed after the MacSwiney family the following year, but ran into issues around national legislation. Housing minister James Browne has given Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould an update on the matter. The minister said it was expected a resolution to the "legislative complexities that exist between the Local Government Acts and Official Languages Act" may require primary legislation to resolve. He said the matter was being examined by both his department and officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. He said his department had recently established a local democracy taskforce, which is due to report on its deliberations within the next six to nine months. "It could be expected that there may be legislative change to the Local Government Acts arising from its work, which will be progressed in 2026. Work will continue with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on the resolution of the placenames issue, with a view to agreeing revised policy and identification of any required legislative change," Mr Browne's response said. Mr Gould said while a timeline was welcome, the slow pace of progress was frustrating. 'This has dragged on for far too long. I have raised it directly with the previous housing minister, both through PQs and in the Housing Committee. It shouldn't take this much pressure to enact a simple change to legislation, but we are not surprised given the clear disrespect shown by this Government to our history and heritage, with plans to turn the GPO into shopping and office space. 'It is positive that we now have a timeline. We know when this will happen and the legacy of the MacSwiney family, who sacrificed so much for our city and island. I look forward to the day we see the name revealed."
Express Tribune
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Missing local government
The writer is a practising lawyer and columnist. He can be reached at Listen to article Article 140A of the Constitution of Pakistan categorically requires each province to establish a local government system and devolve political, administrative and financial authority to elected representatives. Additionally, Article 32 obligates the state to encourage the development of local government institutions, ensuring special representation for marginalised groups. These constitutional provisions were included to foster democratic governance at the grassroots level, enhance public participation and safeguard the inclusion of historically underrepresented segments of society. Despite these constitutional guarantees, the absence of an effective local government system remains a pressing issue across Pakistan, with Punjab being a prime example. The province has remained devoid of a functional local government for a prolonged period. Provincial administrations have repeatedly postponed local government elections, often citing the need for legislative amendments as a justification to retain centralised control. This deliberate delay has exacerbated the disconnect between policymakers and the electorate, thereby weakening democratic participation and undermining public confidence in the existing political framework. The NFC Award and the 18th Amendment were instrumental in reshaping the distribution of financial and administrative powers in Pakistan. While the NFC Award ensures equitable allocation of financial resources to provinces, the 18th Amendment significantly expanded provincial autonomy by transferring numerous federal functions to the provinces. However, despite these structural reforms, local governments continue to face severe constraints in terms of financial autonomy, institutional capacity and political independence. While provincial governments have benefited from the decentralisation of powers from the federal level, they have been unwilling to extend the same to local bodies, thereby undermining the true spirit of devolution. The existing Local Government Acts at the provincial level play a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness of local governance structures. However, these laws often fail to grant meaningful autonomy to local representatives, reducing them to mere extensions of provincial administrations. Local government representatives have the potential to play a much broader role than merely managing municipal services. Here, a fundamental question arises: Why do provincial governments remain hesitant to transfer power to local governments despite clear constitutional directives? The primary reason lies in the unwillingness of provincial authorities to relinquish control over financial resources and administrative mechanisms. Provinces are blatantly ignoring Article 140A and Article 32, reflecting an entrenched resistance to meaningful devolution, protecting the interests of ruling elites over public welfare. The consequences of this power-centric political structure are evident in Pakistan's deteriorating human development indicators, widening socio-economic disparities and ineffective governance mechanisms. The country's declining ranking on the UN Human Development Index further underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to enhance governance, promote development and address structural inequalities. For Pakistan to advance, it is imperative to shift governance paradigms by empowering local governments as the primary drivers of human development. A well-structured local government system fosters inclusive growth, equitable resource distribution and efficient execution of development projects. Decentralising decision-making authority not only promotes innovation and transparency but also ensures that governance structures remain responsive to local needs. Pakistan must embark on a comprehensive local government reform agenda that prioritises autonomy, financial sustainability and institutional capacity. Strengthening local governance will revitalise democratic processes, enhance public service delivery and cultivate a more participatory political culture. By implementing these reforms, Pakistan can unlock the full potential of its constitutional democracy, empower communities and establish an equitable and responsive governance model that truly serves its citizens.
