Local Government

This department supports local government in its role of promoting the wellbeing and quality of life of citizens and communities through the efficient performance of functions and delivery of good-value services at local level.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the law dealing with registration of electors and for conducting elections and referendums.

This involves:

• an ongoing review of electoral law
• review of constituencies and local electoral areas
• the provision of information and advice to registration authorities, returning officers and the general public together with the publication of election results

For more detailed information you should consult the relevant constitutional and legislative provisions relating to electoral law, available on the Irish Statute Book website.

Learn more about voting in Ireland.

The department is responsible for supporting the Irish Fire and Rescue Service. It also co-ordinates the national response to:

• severe weather
• a range of other major emergencies

Learn more on fire and emergency.

• Local Government: Structure and Functions
• Local Government Reform
• directly elected mayor with executive functions
• Policy Groups / Committees

• Local Government Finance
• Local Property Tax
• Local Authority Annual Financial Statements
• Local Authority Budgets

• Standards in Public Life
• National Oversight and Audit Commission

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Pension Authority website

Local Government pay and related circulars will be published here. This page is in beta and is not yet complete with all circulars.

Note: Circulars published in January and June 2024 notifying pay adjustments under the Public Service Agreement 2024 – 2026 for January and June 2024 have separate Chief Executive orders. From 1st October 2024 onwards, the Chief Executive pay scales will be amalgamated in the main circular with all Local Authority grades.