Local Government

Structures (Pre-2014 Act Reforms)

The Constitution provides for local authorities to represent local communities democratically. They are to be elected every five years. There are 29 local authorities in the state consisting of 29 county councils and five city councils. … Read the rest

Sanitation (Pre-Irish Water)

Sanitation Historically, sanitation and public health were key local government function. The modern local authority system had its origin in the creation of sanitary authorities in rural and urban areas in the 19th century for the purpose of the provision of water supply and sewerage.… Read the rest

Sanitation (Pre-Irish Water Re-organisation)

Water Services Act (pre Irish Water reorganisaton) The Water Services Act transfers the water functions from sanitary authorities to county authorities. They are renamed water services authority in their capacity as the provider of water services. … Read the rest

Rates and Finance

Local Authority Funding Local authorities funding comes from rates, government grants and services. The annual rate is based on the residual sum, being the deficiency in funds in the authority’s budget, which is not met from expenditure, state grants, local authorities, own resources.… Read the rest

Organisation (Pre-2014 Reforms)

Management System Originally, the elected members of the council played a more direct decision-making and executive role. Important local authority work was undertaken through committees under the general control of the council. The lack of responsibility suggestions of the corruption, abuse and inefficiency, led to the establishment of the management system in the 1930s and 1940s.… Read the rest

Functions-Building Regulations

Building Regulations Building regulations deal with the construction of standards of buildings. They go further than mere physical construction to apply to a range of facility issues on fire safety, disability access, heat efficiency and so.… Read the rest

Functions- Fire & Dereliction

Derelict Sites Designation The derelict sites legislation was designed primarily to prevent urban blight. However, the legislation applies both in urban and rural areas. The legislation imposes a general obligation on owners and occupiers of property to take reasonable steps to ensure the property does not become derelict.… Read the rest