Local politicians ‘left in dark’ over reform plans

An association representing more than 80 borough and town councils facing the axe has accepted abolition is a fait accompli.

But, as the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland convenes its annual conference today, it remains in the dark over Government plans for proposed new ‘municipal districts.’ A new bill, detailing likely reforms of what is seen as a fundamental tier of local democracy, has not yet been published by Environment Minister Phil Hogan.

The incoming leader of the AMAI, Cllr John Meehan, said senior counsel has been engaged to examine the new bill, which was due to be published before the Dáil’s summer recess.