County Councillors will receive extensive new decision making powers in a major shake up of local government

The extensive new powers and financial autonomy proposed in the Local Democracy Taskforce Report has been welcomed by Meath councillors.

Cllr Nick Killian said it would give councillors a stronger role in the operation of local authorities and a greater say in budget preparation.

A member of the executive of the Association for Local Government, (ALG) which was involved throughout the Taskforce process to ensure that the voice of county councillors was heard, Cllr Killian welcomed its proposals for councillors’ increased financial autonomy.

“We will have more power to raise funds. We will have the opportunity to introduce a tourist tax and we will also have the option of increasing the local property tax by up to 25 per cent although personally, I wouldn't be advocating that.

“We will have a greater input before decisions are made and the new finance committees means we will have greater oversight of financial planning. It will reinforce the role of elected members in shaping local policy.”

He said the report also recommends practical reforms that will support councillors in carrying out their role, including statutory response times for councillor representations, improved access to information from public bodies, enhanced administrative supports and expanded education and professional development.

Cllr Killian expressed concern that the constituency reviews would be based on the 2022 census. “They have told us there wouldn't be time to carry out the review after next years census, but the county will have grown a lot since 2022. In Ratoath alone at the moment, we have 600 house under construction,” he said.

He added that Cllr Joe Fox and Cllr Amanda Smith had also made a significant input into this report.

Cllr Amanda Smith stressed the importance of funding to implementing the changes.

“We’ve got 79 ideas on the table, all meant to give local councils a serious boost. If they land the funding, pass the right laws, and everyone backs them, they’d go way beyond the tweaks made in 2014. Still, there are a few bumps to watch out for,” she said.

“Some of the changes need big legal overhauls, brand-new set-ups in all 31 councils, and a real mind-shift before the 2029 elections. If the rollout is patchy or under-funded, people could end up more confused and overloaded than empowered.

“Many of the plans hinge on steady cash from central government. Extra layers—like Municipal Councils and Finance Committees—could pile on red tape if they’re not designed carefully.

“A strong 'revive our towns' push is great for urban spots, but rural communities might worry they’re being left short.” Cllr Smith expressed concern that keeping the same number of councillors while populations grow could leave some areas with way too many residents per councillor.

“The bottom line is: this whole thing will only work if the government moves early, backs it up with serious resources, and both national and local players stay genuinely committed. Nail those three, and Ireland’s local government will be stronger, more democratic, and better at getting stuff done. Miss them, and the proposals might just end up gathering dust—exactly what the Taskforce is warning against,” she said.

Cllr Joe Fox described the proposals as a game changer for local government.

“Councillors will have more powers and the executive will be more accountable to us, We will be involved in the budget process a lot earlier and have direct input. Until now, a lot of decisions were taken out of councillors's hands. The executive will be more accountable to us and we will be able to make decisions on raising money. This is a good news story for local government,” he said.

The Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sarah Reilly said she broadly welcomed the recommendations of the Local Democracy Taskforce and, in particular, she was eager to see how the proposals for the establishment of municipal councils progress over the coming years.

“I hope the creation of municipal councils will encourage more people to become involved in local politics, leading to greater participation, greater diversity and, ultimately, stronger representation for communities across County Meath and Ireland,” she said.The County and City Management Association (CCMA) of which Meath County Council Chief Executive, Kieran Kehoe is a member, welcomed the publication of the report.

“We are particularly pleased about recommendations relating to the strengthening of communications with local communities to ensure local government is better understood; introducing municipal councils to replace municipal districts with more of a focus on towns, and stronger collaboration between central and local government.

“Other areas of importance include enhanced devolution of functions to local government, along with greater financial autonomy.

“We look forward to working with the Minister, county councillors and their representative bodies, the Department and other stakeholders to implement recommendations that will lead to stronger and more effective local government in Ireland.”