IMPACT national secretary Peter Nolan welcomed the minister’s comments. “We campaigned vigorously against the proposals in relation to reducing the number of local councils in Ireland. The abolition of town councils has reduced the capacity of towns, for example Ennis and Newbridge among many others, to act as economic generators for their communities and this is a disappointment.

“Ireland has the weakest system of local government in Western Europe, with the fewest councils enabling direct participation by the public. The decision to abolish town councils was a retrograde step. We would welcome an honest discussion with government in relation to the effects of their policies with a view to ensuring greater participation in local government” he said.

Peter also criticised successive governments for stripping local authorities of responsibility for refuse collection, driver licensing, education grants, direct responsibility for water provision, and other services.

“Local democracy badly needs some champions in Irish society. If central authorities continue to take away local government responsibilities, local authorities will become empty shells. It will become impossible to demonstrate the need for local elections, or to justify local taxes, including the property tax.”