Politician(s) lobbied:Alan Dillon (Minister of State), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Intent: 1. Greater devolution of functions to local authorities; 2. improved training and support for elected members; 3. greater flexibility in relation to the security allowance scheme; 4 that Ireland would be in compliance with the European Charter.
Representations to seek amendment of the Planning & Development Bill 2023 so as to: 1. Retain duration of county/city development plans at 6 years; 2. Secure consultation before issue of binding Ministerial Planning Statements. 3. Secure strong powers of initiative for councillors in regarding to variation procedure of development plans.
Politician(s) lobbied:Kieran O'Donnell (Minister of State), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Intent: 1. Retention of 6 year duration of Co Development Plan. 2. Receive Dept.'s support to highlight 125th anniversary of County Councils to the wider public. 3. Secure committment that Council of Europe recommendations on Irish local government be followed up. 4. Secure updating of gratuity calculation to reflect current salary payment.
Politician(s) lobbied:Annie Hoey (Senator), Seanad; Mark Wall (Senator), Seanad; Frances Black (Senator), Seanad; Victor Boyhan (Senator), Seanad; Sharon Keogan (Senator), Seanad; Gerard Craughwell (Senator), Seanad
Intent: 1. Reverse centralisation of powers. 2. Retain 6 years duration of Development Plan. 3. Retain councils role in delivery of housing. 4. Secure security allowance for councillors. 5. Restore calculation of gratuity to current salary level.