29-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Tipperary TD leads charge to restore Town Councils – ‘Local government is the heartbeat of democracy'
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, May 27, independent Deputy Seamus Healy sought an update from the Taoiseach on the Programme for Government proposed convening of a local democracy taskforce. 'Local government is the heartbeat of democracy,' said the Clonmel based TD.
'The Fine Gael – Labour Party Government abolished borough councils and town councils in 2014 and replaced them with committees that had no power, no functions and no money.
'I think it is already accepted by almost everybody, including the former leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin, that it was a very bad decision. The programme for Government commits to the establishment of a local democracy task force.
'Will the Taoiseach please outline when this task force will be set up and if he will ensure local community voices are represented on it and ensure the terms of reference will include the re-establishment of town and borough councils,' added Deputy Healy.
Taoiseach Michéal Martin responded, saying there is a commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to municipal authorities in towns over a certain population threshold. 'I had good time for Brendan Howlin, formerly of this House, on many issues, but he led the charge on this matter and subsequently sort of had regrets,' said the Taoiseach.
'From a democracy perspective, I believe local Town Councils and Town Commissioners were important. Very often, they were the first step on the ladder to political participation and representation.
'I happen, therefore, to believe in this, but, obviously, I will talk to the Minister in terms of the timelines for legislation to give effect to the commitments in the programme for Government.'
