Return of rates not ruled out

THE return of domestic rates, or the introduction of local taxation, are not being ruled out in a major independent review of local government funding.

Environment Minister Martin Cullen yesterday said he was “totally open-minded” and described the current process as wide-ranging and the deepest possible analysis of local government. The review is being carried out by Indecon International Economic Consultants in association with the Institute of Local Government Studies.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Association of Municipal Authorities (AMAI), in Listowel, Co Kerry, he said the review was of critical importance to the future of local government as it would set the context and the agenda for decisions on the future financing system for local authorities.

This year, €4 billion is being spent on local government and Mr Cullen said the AMAI’s views would be fully taken into account by the consultants and by the steering group he had appointed to oversee the project.

Mr Cullen, who abolished the dual mandate whereby Oireachtas members could also hold council seats, said local and national government were separate, but complementary.

Mr Cullen also described waste management as one of the most pressing environmental issues today and said he was very heartened that, over the past five years, local authorities had also co-operated in bringing about considerable progress.