Council reform proposals welcomed locally

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Written by Deirdre O'Shaughnessy

Wednesday, 18 July 2007

New proposals to make local authorities more accountable have been welcomed in Galway.

The proposals, being spearheaded by Environment Minister John Gormley, will include the redistribution of power from unelected officials, such as county and city managers, to a directly elected mayor.

The current system has come under fire yet again in the past week, as it was revealed that six city managers in Galway received bonuses of up to €10,000 despite this year's water crisis and housing issues.

Maeve Kelly of the Galway Water Crisis Group said the move would improve accountability. "It'd be a very good forward move. It could only do good, to increase accountability, especially regarding the bonuses. That was shocking, and they don't really have to defend themselves," she said.

Ms Kelly added that "the sooner this is done, the better, so that the council can regain public confidence."

However, City Manager Joe MacGrath was cautious in welcoming the development. "The opening of a debate on the future direction of local government is welcome. Local Government plays a vital role in all our lives and it is timely that consideration be given to how its functions are effected at a local level."

Mr MacGrath said the balance of decision-making between the executive and the elected member[s] was a matter for the Minister and Government to decide.

Galway City Mayor Tom Costello said he would be in favour of the move. "It would be only right to extend it to all cities; it's an endorsement from the people of a person and his policies. Direct election is the best way to reflect who the people want at the helm," he said.

"It would be questionable in terms of European legislation if it was only confined to Dublin," he added.

The Government is to produce a discussion document on the issues, in consultation with local groups.

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