The Relevance of Irish Local Government
Studies, Vol. 98, Spring 2009
14 Pages Posted: 3 Aug 2011
Date Written: March 15, 2009
Abstract
Two themes persist in the analysis of Irish local government. The first emphasises its proud lineage (pre-dating independence), its democratic tradition and its virtues as that part of the state closest to the citizen, providing essential services on a daily basis. The second theme, principally cited in comparative perspectives, points to a network of local administration operating within a tightly defined national remit and with little financial discretion or serious ambition to vindicate its democratic mandate or to enhance its autonomy. This paper explores the latter theme of centralisation. Is local government being ‘hollowed out’ by virtue of over-centralisation at the national level and the emergence of other sub-national organisations, or are local authorities themselves displaying centralising tendencies in the acquisition of non-traditional functions and the adoption of more strategic roles?
Keywords: Local Government, Ireland, Devolution, Centralization
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