Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 2

Written Answers. - Public Consultation Processes.

John Gormley

Question:

399 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his policy in relation to public consultation processes undertaken by local authorities in terms of ensuring their effectiveness particularly in terms of the clarity of their objectives and the appropriate use of methodologies, transparency of the processes, accountability, particularly in terms of the reflection of the concerns of the public in the final report and recommendations produced following such consultations; the way in which he has sought to implement this policy in practical terms; the way in which he has monitored the implementation of this policy at local authority level; and the legislative recommendations which he will be making to Dáil Éireann in terms of ensuring best practice in public consultation processes undertaken by local authorities. [24331/01]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The various legislative codes – planning, environmental, roads, etc. – include detailed requirements as to procedures regarding public notice, submission of views etc. by interested persons and consideration by local authorities. The Local Government Act, 2001, makes clear that a local authority may take such additional steps as it may consider appropriate to promote the consultation process more generally. A range of other ongoing measures such as strategic policy committees, city-county development boards, the pilot programme of one stop shops, corporate plans with focus on customer service and an enhanced role for the corporate policy group, new management structures, better training opportunity for staff and members are designed to improve performance and service to the public.

Much of this work is being carried forward in the context of the strategic management initiative and is reflected in the Local Government Act, 2001, which aims to support community involvement with local authorities in a more participative local democracy.