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Local government reform – Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose?

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  • Quinn Bríd

    (University of Limerick)

Abstract

The perceived deficiencies in Ireland’s local government system have frequently been diagnosed, resulting in reports, White and Green Papers and action plans. This article reviews the main reform trajectories, paying particular attention to developments since 1971 and demonstrating that the reforms which did occur were affected by national and international developments. The form, functioning and financing of local government were recurrent themes in the reform documents, and these aspects are specifically examined. Political, administrative and decision-making structures are found to have been altered; the scope of existing functional programmes and the modes of implementation have changed noticeably; and, although the issue of local funding sources has been tackled, the centre’s financial hegemony has not been eliminated. Despite the insights of the reform documents, there is little evidence of a clear and consistent philosophy underpinning reform, so the cumulative changes represent a unique blend of innovation, incrementalism and entrenchment.

Suggested Citation

  • Quinn Bríd, 2015. "Local government reform – Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose?," Administration, Sciendo, vol. 63(2), pages 7-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:admini:v:63:y:2015:i:2:p:7-29:n:2
    DOI: 10.1515/admin-2015-0008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brian E. Dollery & Joseph Garcea & Edward C. LeSage Jr (ed.), 2008. "Local Government Reform," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 12592.
    2. Walker, David, 1962. "Local Government Finance in Ireland: A Preliminary Survey," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number GRS05.
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