TOWN councils are set to be given extra powers in the upcoming revamp of local government, sources close to environment minister Phil Hogan have indicated.

TOWN councils offer the best and most efficient form of local government in Ireland and should be given enhanced roles in any reform of the sector, a new report has claimed.

PAYMENTS of €48,000 to councillors for attending three conferences were in accordance with departmental rates and agreed with the Environment Minister, a county manager has stated.

THE country’s local councillors have expressed frustration with Environment Minister John Gormley for failing to act speedily on their offer to cap a controversial allowances’ regime.

A controversial proposal to reduce the number of local authorities around the country is expected to be main issue of discussion as the body representing councillors holds its AGM today.

Local councils are the latest group to criticise the recommendations of An Bord Snip Nua.

TAXPAYERS will have to pick up the tab for a E3 million “consolation prize” that will be paid to hundreds of councillors who lost their seats or retired before the June elections.

MEMBERS of the public are about to go potty about the state of our toilets.