Dublin will have directly elected mayor in 2011

CITIES such as Cork, Waterford and Galway face a substantial wait to find out if they will get directly elected mayors with budgetary and planning powers.

Environment Minister John Gormley yesterday confirmed his intention to have a directly elected mayor in Dublin in 2011.

If the minister’s proposals are realised, the Dublin mayor would have substantial powers in the areas of planning, housing, water provision and waste disposal. The mayor would also act as chair of the Dublin Transport Authority.