Fórsa will launch a campaign for greater powers for local authorities and improved local services next week. A collaboration between three unions – Fórsa, Siptu and Connect trade unions, ‘more power to you’ aims to start a conversation on the future of local government in the run up to May’s local elections.

The launch will feature a new report on the future of Irish local government, which has been prepared by Mary Murphy of Maynooth University. It will chart Ireland’s weak local government powers and the trend of services returning to public control in Europe.

Fórsa lead organiser Joe O’Connor said the campaign would contribute to the union’s ongoing efforts to address the consistent stripping away of local government functions in recent years. This has left Ireland with the weakest local democracy in Europe.

Joe also called on Fórsa members to lobby parties and local election candidates by asking them to sign the campaign’s ‘local power pledge’. This asks them to commit to the reform of local government services in areas like water, waste, energy and housing.

To reserve a place at the event, please email Joe O’Connor.