Minister Cummins publishes comprehensive programme of Local Government reforms

• Government Publishes Local Democracy Taskforce Report and Launches Ambitious Implementation Plan

• Major programme of reform will enhance the role of Councillors in Waterford and nationwide, strengthen local decision-making and deepen engagement between communities and local government

Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, has today published the Local Democracy Taskforce Report and launched the Local Democracy Taskforce Government Implementation Plan 2026–2029, setting out an ambitious package of reforms to reinforce local democracy, giving communities greater influence while enhancing the powers of elected councillors nationwide.

The Implementation Plan reflects the recommendations of the Local Democracy Taskforce into a clear programme of action, comprising 79 measures to be delivered over the period 2026–2029. The reforms will support a more responsive, democratic, accountable and empowered system of local government for Waterford City & County Council and all 31 local authorities in Ireland. 

The Plan is structured around eight key objectives:

• Strengthening community engagement and local decision-making;

• Enhancing the democratic role of Councillors;

• Improving engagement between central and local government;

• Supporting greater devolution of functions;

• Increasing transparency and public understanding;

• Strengthening financial autonomy and sustainability;

• Enhancing governance and accountability; and

• Promoting greater representation and inclusivity in local government. 

Municipal Councils will replace Municipal Districts and have greater budgetary and decision making powers, while other significant reforms include the creation of new Council Oversight and Governance Committees, stronger mechanisms for Councillors to influence local policy priorities and funding decisions, and the establishment of a formal National and Local Government Forum to strengthen cooperation between central and local government.

Minister Cummins said: “This report marks a significant step towards rebalancing the relationship between elected members and the executive. While local authority executives perform a critical role in delivering services and implementing policy, over time there has been a shift in where decision-making power lies. These recommendations are about restoring the correct balance; strengthening democratic oversight and ensuring Waterfordcouncillors and councillors nationwide have the tools, information and authority they need to represent the people who elected them.

“Having served as a councillorin Waterfordfor eleven years before entering national politics,I know first-hand that strong local government depends on strong partnerships. Delivering for communitiessuch as Waterfordrequires elected members, executive teams and central government working together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to better outcomes. These reforms are designed to strengthen those relationships while ensuring local government is more accountable, more responsive and better equipped to meet the needs of the communities it serves.

“I am committed to working with colleagues across Government, local authorities and the wider local government sector to progress these recommendations. Together, they have the potential to mark a genuine step change in how local government operates, empowering councillors while enabling councils to deliver even more effectively for the people they serve.”

Key actions in the Plan include:

• Establishing Municipal Councils across all local authority areas with enhanced budgetary and decision-making powers;

• Introducing formal structures to strengthen Councillor oversight of local authority performance and governance;

• Expanding training, research and policy supports for Councillors;

• Creating strengthened arrangements for engagement between local government, Government Departments and State agencies;

• Developing a framework to support the devolution of additional functions to local government;

• Increasing transparency through publication of performance information, service delivery data and governance reports;

• Exploring new sources of local government revenue and greater financial flexibility;

• Strengthening the role and capacity of oversight bodies;

• Advancing measures to improve diversity and representation in local government. 

An Implementation Steering Group, chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will oversee and coordinate delivery of the programme across Government, local authorities and sectoral stakeholders, and will report directly toMinister Cummins and Minister for Housing, James Browne TD.

The Government Implementation Plan will be delivered through a combination of legislative changes, administrative reforms and sustained collaboration between all partners in the local government sector. Government will continue to explore other mechanisms for reforming local government during this implementation phase.