Town councils to get extra powers in region revamp

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.

The councils look likely to be beefed up, while regional authorities now look set to be scrapped under plans being brought to the cabinet by Mr Hogan in the next few weeks, according to sources in Fine Gael.

The more urban-centred approach will see town councils responsible for surrounding rural areas, similar to the system used in countries such as France. It is not clear what repercussions this will have for county councils, but Mr Hogan is understood to be keen to get rid of duplication, those close to him have said.