LAMA NewsLetter Spring 2012
Cumann Chomhaltaí na nÚdarás Áitiúil
LAMA
Spring Seminar 2012 The role of local authorities in enabling economic development and local government reform
April 13th & 14th Tower Hotel, Waterford. Speakers at the seminar include:
Phil Hogan TD
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government
Sean O’Riordan
Sean O’Riordan & Associates
Ned O’Connor
Former South Tipperary County Manager See your local authority for details
DATE FOR YOU R DIARY
LAMA
Autumn Seminar
2012
September 28th & 29th Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny
FEDERATION OF EUROPEAN COUNCILS
LAMA Puts Forward Suggestions to Improve the Effectiveness of Councillors
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hen the Green Paper on Local Government Reform was published in 2008, LAMA put forward a comprehensive document to be taken into account in any proposals brought forward by the minister. LAMA has had two meetings with the current minister since his appointment and following on from those, a further submission was made in November 2011 in the light of his stated intention to introduce reform of the local government system. LAMA’s objective is to strengthen the position of councillors in their local communities in order that they will have the power and resources to deliver the best possible service to the people who elected them. While it is accepted that in the current economic climate all of the proposals won’t be put in place in the short term, LAMA feels they should be clearly on the agenda and will work towards their implementation over the coming years. In its November submission, LAMA made the following points: 1 Amalgamation of counties should not take place, as has been rumoured. 2 Local community development bodies (e.g. Leader and county enterprise boards) should be part of the local government structure. 3 Councillors should have greater remuneration for greater powers and responsibilities. 4 A pension scheme for councillors should be put in place. 5 Long service increments should be provided to reflect the experience of councillors, similar to Oireachtas members. 6 PRSI changes for councillors to avail of social welfare benefits. At present, councillors make PRSI contributions but do not qualify for any benefits. 7 Training to upskill councillors to meet the needs created by the proposed reforms. 8 LAMA to be recognised as an accredited training body for councillors. 9 Administration and secretarial facilities to be available to councillors at local level by secretarial allowance or local authority staff. 10 IT facilities (laptop, printer, broadband, IT training etc) to be provided and updated. 11 Special leave from work for councillors to attend statutory meetings and official functions. 12 Exemption from pension levy if a pension
Cllr Hugh McElvaney, LAMA Chairperson, and Cllr Noel Bourke, General Secretary, LAMA scheme is not being granted. 13 Commitment to maintain and increase gratuity allowance for councillors. 14 Review the date (May 2000) from which the gratuity for former councillors is calculated. 15 Allow councillors who decide not to seek re-election, resign or who lose their seats to draw down the gratuity allowance irrespective of age. 16 Education and training allowance to be maintained at s4,700pa and increased when economic circumstances permit. 17 Ratio of councillors to members of the public to be maintained, especially if the number of TDs is reduced and/or if the Seanad is abolished. 18 A small overseas allowance to be provided per councillor to allow councils to foster links with diaspora. In addition, LAMA makes the following points: • The role and workload of the councillor has increased greatly with no additional increase in resources – in fact, resources have been reduced in many cases. Councillors are regularly the first port of call for those needing advice or guidance. • Any working group established to examine any aspect of local government should have councillor representation. • Many self-employed councillors have to hire staff in their businesses while attending to their role as councillors. • Many other councillors have retired early from their main source of employment. • Some councillors have had to take unpaid or annual leave from work for council business. • Many, particularly younger people, are being discouraged from entering representational politics because of difficulties in fitting in the volume of work along with a full time job.
LAMA NEWSLETTER 1
LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS ASSOCIATION
Appointments
Submission by LAMA in response to the ‘Reform of the Water Sector in Ireland’ position paper
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he Local Authority Members Association is glad to put forward its views on this recently-published position paper. While the Chairman and General Secretary of LAMA, along with representatives of the ACCC and AMAI, had a brief opportunity at short notice to meet with the project consultants, there is a strong feeling that councillor representatives should have been involved more throughout the formulation process. LAMA makes the following points: 1 LAMA is disappointed that the water services function is being removed, further eroding the role and powers of the local government system – as with waste collection, motor taxation and now perhaps driving licences and fire and emergency services. 2 In view of the above we wonder what the future holds for the councils whose members we represent, and by extension for local democracy. We await with interest the expected local government reform announcement. 3 In providing water services, local government has ensured an accountable point of contact for the public or through councillors. 4 Whatever structure is put in place, the bottom line is that people get the best possible service at an efficient cost. 5 Recent experience of the medical card system has left most councillors unhappy about centralising services. 6 Local public representatives will take the criticism for any lack of action asked for by a member of the public.
7 Councillors are in regular contact with water services staff and can quickly make contact with them about issues raised, especially in emergency situations. 8 The local knowledge which local authority staff have in the area of water services is immense and should be used to best advantage. 9 Staff must be given assurances that they will have a constructive and meaningful role in the new structures. 10 Local authorities have a proven track record in dealing with water services, particularly in extreme circumstances 11 Members are concerned as to the level of service which will be provided by a body that may not have a local elected representative presence. 12 The removal of water services from local authorities will add complexity to the planning of infrastructural improvements in a local authority area. 13 The removal of water services will affect the finances of local authorities. 14 If Irish Water is to put water charges in place they must be seen to be fair and realistic. There is a strong view that if a charge is to be put in place it should only apply over a certain quota. 15 Many people are financially stretched at present, so account must be taken of people’s ability to pay. 16 Fitting meters, if that is to happen, should be managed locally to avail of local knowledge and quality of work. 17 The strengths of the current structure are that 1) it is close to the customer, 2) water services
LAMA Wants Clarity on Local Enterprise Office Proposal
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AMA has written to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD, seeking a meeting with him to discuss the role of councillors in recently-announced proposals to dissolve the County Enterprise Boards and replace them with local enterprise offices. At present, councillors are represented on the boards of the CEBs and play a vital role in their operation – given the fact that as elected representatives they are working at local level on behalf of their constituents and have a good understanding of local needs. It is unclear where the existing CEBs, and particularly the councillor members, stand in the context of the new arrangement and LAMA wants to discuss this with the minister. LAMA will be putting it to Minister Bruton that councillors should continue to have a central role in whatever new structure emerges.
2 LAMA NEWSLETTER
development is consistent with development plans, 3) Local authorities have a good track record in the delivery of projects, and 4) resources can be mobilised in emergencies. 18 If Irish Water proceeds on the lines outlined, the councillors will require adequate representation on its board and local authorities will have to have the mechanism to input into its policies. 19 Regional bodies or river basin districts should be given consideration to be part of the new structure. 20 Local offices as points of contact should be put in place. 21 More inspections, eg the depth of stopcocks underground, should be put in place to avoid previous problems 22 In view of the contribution which councillors have made over the years, they must have a clear and meaningful role in any new structure put in place. 23 There is a worry that smaller counties or areas will lose out in the prioritisation of capital investment. 24 The asset value of resources such as buildings, treatment plants, pipe network, pump houses etc must be addressed. 25 If the water services function is to be taken from local authorities then consideration should be given to it being transferred to an existing semistate company with a proven record. 26 To take water services from a tested and successful set of authorities is a major decision not to be taken lightly.
New LAMA member: Cllr Therese Ridge has replaced Senator Cáit Keane.
Former member Alan Mitchell has been appointed a District Court judge.
LAMA Gives Clamping Presentation at Joint Oireachtas Committee
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AMA, along with our colleagues in the ACCC and AMAI, was recently invited to give a presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport on the proposal to introduce legislation regulating the vehicle clamping industry. Councillors Martin Brett, Pádraig Conneely and Irene Winters spoke on behalf of LAMA and among the items covered by them were the requirement for legislation, what legislation should address, who should regulate the industry, what should be regulated, funding of regulation, the licensing system for clamping companies, standards and code of practice, an appeals process, penalties and the provisions that should be included in Heads of a Bill. Following the presentation there was a very constructive discussion between the councillors and the members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee.
LAMA meets with TDs and Senators in Leinster House T
he Executive of LAMA met with TDs and Senators on Wednesday January 25th in the AV room at Leinster House. The purpose of this presentation was to make Oireachtas members aware of the views and concerns which LAMA has on local government reform prior to the publication by the Minister of his Councillor Enda McGloin proposals, due to be published shortly. Recent proposals on Irish Water, VEC reform and local enterprise offices present challenges for councillors across Ireland, and may see our role diminished. There is a fear among local authority members that the minister is considering reductions in councillor numbers on local authorities alongside the amalgamations (some already announced) and the abolition of some town councils. The final element of the LAMA presentation centred on issues concerning councillors’ conditions and facilities provided to them in relation to their work as public representatives.
It was put to the deputies and senators that despite paying into a PRSI fund, councillors are not entitled to a pension and other entitlements, including a maternity benefit scheme for female councillors. Over 70 Oireachtas members attended and after the presentation was made by Cllr Enda Mc Gloin (Leitrim), Chairman Hugh McElvaney fielded a number of questions and statements of support from TDs and senators. This debate proved very interesting, with some worthwhile contributions and offers of support for local authority members. It was made clear that the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government was very accessible to LAMA and other representational organisations and had met with LAMA on this issue – the fact that Minister Hogan himself was a councillor for many years meant that he had unique understanding of local government; however, it was felt that the support of Oireachtas members was vital to ensure councillors maintained and enhanced their powers and had sufficient conditions and facilities to do their job. In conclusion, the Oireachtas members were reminded that councillors across the country provide a vital support network for their work, so it is important that the present level of local government representation would be maintained.
LAMA Meeting Social Protection Officials
LAMA Concerned About Aspects of VEC Amalgamations
About Councillors’ PRSI Contributions
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epresentatives of LAMA are meeting officials of the Department of Social Protection in April regarding the PRSI contributions which Councillors contribute from their Representational Payment. At present, councillors are in Class K1 and make contributions accordingly. This does not qualify them for any social welfare entitlements and is in fact just another tax. LAMA is putting the case to the Department of Social Protection for councillors to be put in another class, such as Class AO, which will give them the same entitlements as everyone else. LAMA will continue to pursue this matter and, as well as meeting officials in the Department of Social Protection, has been in contact with Minister Burton and Minister Hogan on the subject.
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AMA has been in written contact with the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, about councillor representation on the boards of the amalgamated VECs – to be known as Education and Training Boards – and has requested a meeting with the minister on two occasions to discuss the matter. LAMA is putting the case to the minister that councillors should have adequate representation on the new boards as people who are working on the ground in communities, who know the requirements of those communities and who can make a very positive contribution to the work of the new boards. LAMA has very strong feelings on the matter and wants to reinforce the case with the minister. The members of LAMA are also concerned that where more than two VECs are being amalgamated, small VECs could be squeezed out: LAMA does not want this to happen.
Sráidainmneacha agus Logainmneacha
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’fhoilsigh Comhairle Contae Dhún Laoghaire Ráth an Dúin leabhrán Ie déanai dar teideal Sráidainmneacha agus Logainmneacha. Ag seoladh an leabhráin dúirt an bainisteoir contae Owen Keegan go raibh áthas air go raibh liosta oifigiúil de shráideanna/logainmneacha i gContae Dhún Laoghaire-Ráth an Dúin curtha ar fail i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla ag an gComhairie. Ar ndóigh is cuid thábhactach d’oidhreacht an chontae iad na sráidainmneacha agus na logainmneacha agus tugann said léargas speisialta ar stair an chontae. Cabhróidh an liosta oifigiúil seo go mór leis an oidhreacht sin a chaomhnú. Sa réamhrá léannta atá curtha leis an Eolaire déanann an Dr Pádraig Ó Cearbhaill, Ardoifigeach Logainmneacha sa Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cur síos ar na sráideanna agus ar na logainmneacha éagsúla atá i limistéar riarachain Dhún Laoghaire-Ráth an Dúin. Tá a fhios ag an saol faoi Leopardstown, nó Baile na Lobhar sa Ghaeilge, agus an ráschúrsa cáiliúil atá sa cheantar sin. Maidir Ie bunús an logainm sin téann
www.dlrcoco.ie/transportation
sé siar go 1230 nuair a bhronnadh an áit ar oispidéal Stiabhna, oispidéal na lobhar, i mBaile Átha Cliath. B’fhéidir gur chuala tú trácht ar Bulloch Harbour, calafort láimh Ie Deilginis, a raibh tábhacht leis sna meánaoiseanna. Is iad na focail SeanLochlainnise blá vik, a chiallaíonn ‘cuan gorm’ an bunús atá Ie Bulloch. Tá súil ag an gomhairle go músclóidh an leabhrán seo, atá ar fail soar in aisce ó Oifig Chumarsáide na Comhairle, spéis i saíocht logainmneacha an cheantair. Táimid go léir buíoch de bhaill foirne an chontae Máirín Mac Góráin agus Dara Breathnach as an obair iontach atá déanta acu agus do Colm Ó hUiginn a bhí ag obair mar mhac léinn samhraidh ar an tionscnamh.
LAMA NEWSLETTER 3
Outstanding projects honoured at LAMA Awards 2012
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Council of the Year - Donegal County Council.
he LAMA Awards 2012, in association with Irish Public Bodies, were held on February 11th in Dublin’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. Hosted again by Miriam O’Callaghan, the awards are in their sixth year and were attended by over 400 guests. This year’s LAMA award winners were selected after the introduction of six new categories, a reorganisation of the nomination and adjudication process and resulted in a large increase in nominations. “We are delighted to highlight and recognise excellent projects and initiatives at local, county and national level,” said Councillor Hugh McElvaney, Chairman of LAMA, who congratulated the winners.
George Jones, Chairman of IPB, speaking at the LAMA Awards 2012 in association with IPB.
winners Grand Prix, Best Tourist Attraction, Best Recreational Facility: Great Western Greenway, Mayo.
Council of the Year
Best Heritage Project
Winner: Donegal County Council
Winner: Limerick Milk Market
Grand Prix, Best Tourist Attraction, Best Recreational Facility
Best Environmentally Friendly Initiative Best Sporting Facility
Most Innovative Authority Winner: Dublin City Council – DubLinked
Best Public Building Winner: Wexford County Council HQ
Winner: Tallaght Stadium, Dublin
Best Public Playground Facility Winner: Kilmore Quay Playground, Wexford
Best Public Park
Winner: Dublin Airport Terminal 2
Winner: Poppintree Park – Ballymun Regeneration Ltd – Dublin City Council
Best Civil Engineering Project
Best Healthcare Building
Winner: Limerick Tunnel Project
Winner: Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre, Cork
National Impact Award
Best Educational Building: Donabate Community College, Dublin.
Winner: Kilbarrack Fire Station, Dublin
Winner: Great Western Greenway, Mayo
Best Local Business Winner: Avego Ltd, Kinsale, Cork
Best Commercial Building Winner: Dublin Airport Terminal 2
Best Green Authority Winner: Westport Green Town Partnership, Mayo
Best Educational Building
Best Community-Based Initiative
Best Eco-Friendly Building
Winner: Donabate Community College, Dublin
Winner: Ireland Reaching Out, Galway
Winner: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Special Merit Award
Best Public Campaign by a Governmental Body
Winner: Fingal, South Dublin, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Councils
Winner: Staging of the Solheim Cup, Meath
Best Community-Based Initiative – Ireland Reaching Out, Galway.
Please send on any information that you would like to have included in our next newsletter to: Councillor Cyril Burke. e: cyril@premierestates.ie. t: 087 6891821 or Councillor Padraig Conneely. t: 087 2593886