'Local government in Ireland is among the weakest in Europe’

Association of Irish Local Government calls for action as, in terms of local democracy, Ireland is third from the bottom of the class among 46 European states

Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) president Gail Dunne says Ireland's highly-centralised system 'violates the principle of subsidiarity which is held in great esteem in Europe'. Picture: FiannaFail.ie

An “urgent review” is needed into Ireland’s local government system after it was found to be one of the weakest in Europe, the body representing councillors across the country has said.

The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) described as “damning” a report into local democracy and decision-making across 46 European states that placed Ireland near the bottom of the continent.