Labour's Cllr Keith Martin says there are just days left now until the closing date for submissions on local government reform which is currently being undertaken by the Department of the Environment. The public have until the 31st of July to submit their thougths, suggestions and ideas for reform of local government to the Department.
Cllr Martin says it is vital that the citizens of Mayo have there say in issues such as directly-elected mayors, zoning powers and the full range of powers needed by local councils to best serve their local areas.
"I have submitted to the Green Paper a demand for directly-elected mayors for towns like Westport, for more powers for councils over health, policing and education. I have also called for the end of executive powers being enacted by unelected officials and for the role of town and county managers to be abolished in favour of chief executives who advise mayors and councillors and whose sole remit is to carry out the policies and instructions of the elected representatives.
"Ireland has one of the weakest forms of local government in Europe. It is essentially a form of central government dominated local administration, more appropriate to a colony than an independent modern European country.
"It is appalling that we have centrally appointed managers making executive decisions for our cities, counties and towns instead of the people's representatives. This lack of accountability results in the unelected management of local authorities being too powerful when they really should have no power at all. Management should be there to manage and advise not to set policy or take decisions.
Cllr Martin says it is vital that the citizens of Mayo have there say in issues such as directly-elected mayors, zoning powers and the full range of powers needed by local councils to best serve their local areas.
"I have submitted to the Green Paper a demand for directly-elected mayors for towns like Westport, for more powers for councils over health, policing and education. I have also called for the end of executive powers being enacted by unelected officials and for the role of town and county managers to be abolished in favour of chief executives who advise mayors and councillors and whose sole remit is to carry out the policies and instructions of the elected representatives.
"Ireland has one of the weakest forms of local government in Europe. It is essentially a form of central government dominated local administration, more appropriate to a colony than an independent modern European country.
"It is appalling that we have centrally appointed managers making executive decisions for our cities, counties and towns instead of the people's representatives. This lack of accountability results in the unelected management of local authorities being too powerful when they really should have no power at all. Management should be there to manage and advise not to set policy or take decisions.
"Each Local Authority must have a directly elected mayor for the five year term of the Council with executive powers. It is no good directly electing a mayor who has no powers over the executive staff. The powers of the Mayor could be tempered by the councillors. This office would carry with it responsibility for most decisions in association with a small cabinet of councillors.
"I would urge everyone to make a submission. There is no fee or structure involved and submissions can be made by letter or postcard even, and by e-mail or fax to the Department of the Environment. Submissions have to be in before the end of the month.
The consultation period will extend to 31 July 2008.
Should you or your organisation wish to participate in the consultation process, please forward your views by 31 July 2008 to:
By post:
Green Paper Consultation
Local Government Project Development
Room 2.07
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Custom House
Dublin 1
By email: greenpaper@environ.ie
The consultation period will extend to 31 July 2008.
Should you or your organisation wish to participate in the consultation process, please forward your views by 31 July 2008 to:
By post:
Green Paper Consultation
Local Government Project Development
Room 2.07
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Custom House
Dublin 1
By email: greenpaper@environ.ie
No comments:
Post a Comment