Coffey Outlines Position on potential amalgamation of Waterford City and County Councils

Waterford City and County Councils

To clarify my position on this issue please read the following:-

I expect that there will be an announcement made within next week or so in respect of a radical overhaul of local government in Ireland. This will have an obvious impact on local government in Waterford and how it operates. There has been much talk in recent weeks of the possible implications for Waterford, and I have been asked what my position on the matter is.

I want to put on record the clear and strong representations that I have made directly to Minister Hogan and his officials in the Department of the Environment about any possible impact on Waterford as a result of this overall local government reform package.

There are currently 65 Councillors in Waterford, A City Council, A County Council, three Town Councils, five Mayors and five Deputy Mayors. This government before the last general election promised reform in local government and this is being delivered, but it must be done in a way that does not diminish a City like Waterford.

I hope the points I make below clarifies my position in this respect. I have been engaged with Minister Hogan (along with ther Waterford Public representatives) and his officials in a consistent dialogue and I am very confident that the Strong historical and cultural traditions of Waterford City and that the traditional office of Mayor will be preserved in any reform proposed for Waterford Local Authorities. This in fact was a clear term of reference for the independent working group requested to compile a report on an amalgamation in Waterford.

I wish also to point out the fact that Opposition parties and independents who have suddenly become excercised about this issue and are now opposing it had ample opportunity to bring Minister Hogan and his officials before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment over the past few months to question them on their intentions regarding Local Government Reform with specific attention to Waterford.

This is an opportunity they never exploited or requested and therefore failed in what I believe is a neglect of their duties as public representatives in opposition –

Yours sincerely,

Paudie CoffeyTD

I wish to again reiterate my following viewpoints and my position on any possible amalgamation of Waterford Local Authorities:-

1. That Waterford’s historic City Status be protected in any amalgamation that may be proposed

2. That Waterford City’s Status as the Gateway City for the region not be diminished in any way, rather it should be enhanced to stimulate growth and development in the City and Region

3. That there be only one Mayor in any new configuration and that office should be based in the new administration’s HQ in Waterford City

4. That any reformed electoral areas have their own individual operational committees, consisting of elected representatives and senior council staff with the Chairman elected by the public representatives

5. That administration and services are retained in the existing council offices in Dungarvan to service Mid and West County Waterford.

6. Where reform might mean a reduced number of elected representatives I believe that the role and powers of the elected councillors should be enhanced in any new configuration.

Whilst I recognise the need for new efficiencies and public service delivery, I understand that cost savings and a more accountable, efficient local government system is required, with a more cohesive and co-ordinated voice for the Citizens of Waterford.

Paudie Coffey TD