News

The Action Programme declares that a clear and fundamental purpose of local government “…is to give effect to the right of local self-government and the right of citizens to have a say in the conduct of public affairs”. It goes … Continue reading →

The recent publication of the reports on the amalgamation of the Two Tipperary County Councils and the City and County Councils of Limerick once again brings some focus on the challenges of delivering 21st century public services through 19th century … Continue reading →

Policy processes are played out within the public arena as well as within political institutions which are local, regional and national. In addition, international institutions are having an increasing impact on the policy processes of both local and national government. … Continue reading →

The publication of draft revised Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessment for Planning Authorities and an Bord Pleanála brings to mind the on-going development of impact analysis at both national and international level. Some might argue that it is regrettable that … Continue reading →

The challenge of dealing with retarded development, dwindling commercial activity, crumbling infrastructure in small towns is not something that is unique to Ireland but it is a relatively common feature for many towns with populations of less than 15,000 right … Continue reading →

Nick Clegg, MP and Deputy Prime Minister in the United Kingdom, is currently overseeing the renewal of England’s major cities. In December 2011 he announced a major initiative for the eight largest other than London which is seeking to rediscover … Continue reading →

As a key commitment within the broader reform of the public service, the recent publication of the draft strategy document on local government’s role in economic development by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will be welcomed. … Continue reading →

Scotland has over the past decade confronted the challenge of creating a devolved administration in Edinburgh. Recent political announcements suggest that this devolved system may well move towards at least a totally devolved system with full tax raising or maybe … Continue reading →

The momentum towards consolidation of local government in city regions is gaining ground. City regions such as Portland, Oregon, Auckland in New Zealand and others suggest a model which focuses on the capacity of the city region to compete internationally … Continue reading →

In some of the more unusual commentary in the media of recent months has been the suggestion that local government in Manchester might be an appropriate model for Ireland. Well Greater Manchester does have a population of 2.6 million people … Continue reading →