Local Democracy Taskforce

The Programme for Government commits to reforming and strengthening local government which is the “beating heart of our democracy” and provides many of the essential services on which we all depend. It states that the Government will convene a ‘Local Democracy Taskforce’ with the Local Government sector to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government. Initial work is progressing through engagement with stakeholders.

On 4 June 2025, the Government approved the establishment of a Local Democracy Taskforce, which will finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government in Ireland. The establishment of the Taskforce is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce, agreed by Government, set out an ambitious and detailed work programme, which it is expected will give rise to a series of reforms in the local government sector.

In carrying out its work, the Taskforce will have regard to the substantial work which has already been undertaken to examine the powers, functions and responsibilities of Local Government in the following reports:

• - Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, October 2023
• - The 21st Century Councillor in Irish Local Government by Association of Irish Local Government, December 2023
• - Seanad Public Consultation Committee Report on the Future of Local Democracy, October 2024
• - Building Stronger Local Government Report by Association of Irish Local Government, November 2024

Taking an evidence-informed approach, the Taskforce will examine the four reports and make recommendations, including for any legislative amendments, based on them. The Taskforce will have a key focus on the role of Local Government in supporting the implementation of Government policy and the recommendations emerging will be devised to ensure suitability for implementation.

The Taskforce’s work will be organised into four key pillars of Structure, Finance, Functions and Governance/ Accountability, with Councillors’ powers being considered under each pillar.

The Taskforce will consider the principle of subsidiarity and examine the possibility of devolving more decision-making powers to Councillors. The Taskforce will also examine how to strengthen the framework and powers of Municipal Districts and Area Committees.

In respect of funding, the Taskforce will consider granting councillors greater input and control over the development and implementation of the local authority budget and mechanisms to enhance fiscal autonomy.

In relation to governance and accountability, the Taskforce will examine the rebalancing of power between elected councillors and the executive, to ensure that elected officials have a right to be consulted on a greater range of decisions. It will also consider mechanisms to increase the accountability of the Chief Executive and Directors of Services to councillors for executive decisions.

The Taskforce will be chaired by Mr. Jim Breslin, who enjoyed a 30-year career in Ireland’s senior public service. He was Secretary General of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (2011–2014), the Department of Health (2014–2020), and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (2020–2023). He is a non-executive director of the Expert Oversight Body of the Defence Forces and St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group and Chair of Renewable Energy Ireland, a partnership of the country’s leading sustainable energy associations. He delivers the Corporate Governance in Practice programme for the Institute of Directors. He holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, a Certificate in Business and Climate Change from the University of Cambridge, and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. He was also a Policy Leader Fellow at the Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge.

To facilitate effective engagement, the size of the Taskforce is expected to be 14 and Membership will include:

• Local Government Elected Councillor Representative Organisations;
• Local Authority executive representatives (2);
• The Chair of NOAC;
• The Chief Executive of the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA);
• The Director of the Local Government Audit Service;
• Assistant Secretary Local Government Division, Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage;
• Independent experts.

The Taskforce is expected to hold its first meeting later this month and provide recommendations to the Minister for Local Government and Planning within 6-9 months.

• Press Release - Local Democracy Taskforce
• Local Democracy Taskforce a significant step to delivering reform