Petition launched urges reinstatement of town councils in Ireland - Kilkenny Live

A growing movement of concerned citizens is calling for the reinstatement of town councils across Ireland, in light of what they say are the detrimental effects following their abolition under the 2014 Local Government Reform Act.

A petition, initiated by local advocates, seeks the re-establishment of town councils and aims to influence the manifestos in the forthcoming elections. Kilkenny Borough Council was among those abolished despite widespread criticism, and public representatives have frequently lamented its loss and called for it to be reinstated.

The abolition of town councils, which once played a crucial role in local governance, has resulted in significant challenges for town centres nationwide. A 2023 report by the Council of Europe highlighted deficiencies in Ireland’s current local government system, describing it as one of the most inadequate in Europe. Supporters of the petition argue that the absence of town councils has contributed to the decline of town centres and a reduction in local civic engagement.

Town councils have historically been the tier of government closest to the people,” said Cormac Corr, PC, of Kells, Meath, an organiser of the petition. “They provided a platform for localised decision-making, allowing communities to address their specific needs directly. Without them, our towns have suffered.”