Order axing town councils is signed

Environment Minister Phil Hogan has signed an order creating a new layer of local government that will replace the old town councils and cut the number of elected representatives.

The move gives effect to the recommendations of last year’s boundary commission report which said the country should be divided into 95 municipal districts.

It means the existing network of town councils will cease to exist on June 1. The changes will transform the way councillors win seats on local authorities following the May 23 elections.