The Programme for Government sets out a broad set of objectives in regard to the reform of local government and the local institutional environment generally. Among the key aspects of the Programme are:
• Migration of water and waste water services upwards into a possible “National Water Utility“
• Alignment/Integration of both local development companies/enterprise boards into local authorities
• Implementation of key aspects of the Local Government Efficiency Review including the downsizing of administration and management layers within and across local authorities
• Development of shared/back office services within local government with the possible migration upwards to a regional or national framework for such services including debt management, legal and insurance services, risk management, HR management, property management, ICT, health and safety
• A renewed focus on the role of local government in the economic, social and cultural development of their areas through an integrated planning process
• Delivery of models of participation and citizen based budgeting.
The general approach to the implementation of the above programme objectives has been re-stated in the national public service reform process and is likely to be a central feature to the forthcoming Local Government Policy Statement on Reform (due Spring 2012).
The existing system of County and Town Authorities is likely to be streamlined to achieve the above objectives. This will, in practical terms, include the merging of a limited number of County Authorities, the amalgamation of senior management teams and a significant reduction in middle management numbers.
The possible re-configuration of town government along a more European model has been flagged by the Minister while the alignment of local government and local development is now being advanced.
The operational environment however, is likely to be subject to increased expectations, national and local, in regard to service delivery, the development of appropriate performance measurement based on both outputs and outcomes and the further enhancement of local government responsibilities overseeing the operational programmes of the local development sector. In addition, given prevailing economic conditions, the local authorities are likely to be subject to increased cost shifting, a reduction in local discretion on supporting local investment priorities and will be expected to clearly demonstrate substantive progress on cost control and the use of evidence-based criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the current expenditures.
This symposium, organised with the support of the Political Studies Association of Ireland and the Irish Branch of the Regional Studies Association, will examine the possibility of reform and whether it is realistic to think that substantial reform can make a difference to the role local government could and should play in Ireland.
Speakers
Among the speakers are leaders in understanding the Irish and European local government systems. These include Dr. Mark Callanan of the IPA, Dr. Brid Quinn of UL, Dr. Pat Gallagher, County Manager, Offaly County Council, Dr. Ruth Barrington, Cllr Dermot Lacey, Dublin City Council, Ms. Carmel Fox Chief Executive Ballyhoura Development Company Ltd. and Mr. Frank Gensler, Deputy Mayor of Neuss City Council, Germany. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has been asked to open the symposium.
Further details to follow but if you are interested in attending please contact the symposium convenor
