Dáil Éireann - Volume 571 - 30 September, 2003

Written Answers. - Local Government Elections.

Mr. Boyle Mr. Boyle

790

  1325. Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason no election to any new town council is envisaged in 2004; and the towns that might be [790] considered for town council status in the near future. [21331/03]

Mr. Cullen Mr. Cullen

  Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen): Part 17 of the Local Government Act 2001 sets out, inter alia, the procedures for the establishment of a town council in a town with a population of 7,500 or more. Under these provisions a proposal to establish a town council is, in the first instance, a matter for the local community. A decision on whether to proceed further with such a proposal is a matter for the elected members of the relevant county council, following a public consultation process. Accordingly, the Act allows such town elections to proceed as necessary, independently of the local elections cycle. I envisage that the relevant provisions of the Act will be commenced in the coming months.

Dáil Éireann 571 Written Answers. Local Government Elections.

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