Fórsa has made a submission to the government’s Local Democracy taskforce. The union has long fought for stronger local government and services for communities and had advocated for the inclusion of workers’ perspectives in the taskforce’s work. 

In the submission Fórsa argued that the role and function of local authorities must be recalibrated to make sure they can meet their full potential in the delivery of quality services for communities.

The task force has been established to bring forward a programme of reform to improve the structure, funding, powers, and governance of local authorities, and is expected to deliver recommendations to the government within six to nine months. 

Fórsa has consistently raised the need for reform that would empower local authorities, deliver for citizens, and support the workers who make services happen.  

Head of the union’s Local Government and Local Services and Municipal Employees’ divisions Richy Carrothers said: "Today our local government is actively being downgraded. Essential public services like housing, water, energy, and waste are being undermined and trust in our system of local government is being eroded day by day."

"Fórsa is calling for a reform of the sector which would enhance the provision of services to communities across Ireland while also strengthening democracy.” 

“Ultimately, this would entail an enhanced role of local government in effective service provision; in decision-making; and in rebuilding public confidence in democracy.”

Director of campaigns Kevin Donoghue said: “In recent years  various attempts by government to address the issues facing local democracy have been half-hearted and have often been derailed for political expediency, resulting in limited success.”

“An opportunity exists now to develop more properly funded local authorities. As a union we will continue to advocate for strong local government and local services in Ireland.”

Among the key recommendations made by the union in its submission are calls for the full implementation of the EU charter on local self-government, an end to outsourcing, directly elected mayors with real power and funding, the return of waste services to local authorities, increased funding, stronger regulation of wastewater and a constitutional referendum on the public ownership of water.

Read the submission here.

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