Analysis of the Irish 2014 Local Government Reforms

Effective local democracy requires effective councillors. Councillors inhabit a level of government which faces forces for change often beyond their control, and frequently imposed by other levels of government seeking reform. Centrally-inspired reforms may come and go, but councillors are the foundation for representative local democracy and have a key role to play in wider governance networks. Much investigation into a councilor's work, is conducted with an objective to improve, rather than a desire to explore what is required to enhance the governing capacity of local government and councillors. This research highlights that, despite the Irish 2014 local government reforms, councillors as representatives and decision-makers necessitate additional political and institutional powers to enhance local democracy. That, in turn, requires a devolution of power from central to local government and equitable remuneration for councillors, to ensure they can carry out the required functions. The need exists to view councils as democratic entities and not simply as bodies responsible for public service provision.