From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
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Minister for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell, today launched the “Your Council” campaign, to provide members of the public with more information about local government and the role of the Councillor.
The campaign, being launched today, is a digital, social media and radio advertising initiative and gives an overview of the different responsibilities of local government and the key role played by Councillors in shaping communities.
Speaking today, Minister O’Donnell said:
“Local Councils and Councillors play a huge role in shaping communities across the country. They oversee the development of local areas for the benefit of everyone, including the provision of essential services such as housing, recreation, road maintenance, public lighting and footpaths, biodiversity and water quality management. They also play a vital role in local economic development through supports to and engagement with local businesses.
“As the remit of local government and Councillors is so varied, it is hoped that this campaign will encourage greater awareness among the general public of the crucial role played by Councils and Councillors. In particular the campaign will highlight the Councillors’ role in policymaking, governance and oversight, and as representatives within their local communities.”
This campaign will see a national campaign roll out on radio, outdoor, social media and digital channels, using simple and informative language, and inviting the public to visit www.gov.ie/YourCouncil to find out more about the vital work local Councils and Councillors do, and how important it is to be informed and engaged with local government.
In conclusion the Minister said:
“I would encourage everyone to engage with the information provided, to visit www.gov.ie/YourCouncil – and indeed engage with the work of local authorities.
“Life in your local area is shaped by the decisions and policies made by your Council and the Councillors you elect to represent your community. While it is of the utmost importance, particularly in a local election year, that we are all fully informed on the important work they do, greater awareness can also allow individuals to become more involved in local government structures and decision making in their local areas.”
The report of the Independent Review of the Role and Remuneration of Elected Members, led by Ms Sara Moorhead SC, was brought to Government on Friday, 19 June 2020, and then published.
Deriving from the report, it was suggested that there was a need for an increased awareness around local government and what it delivers, including the role of the Councillor, and communicating all of this effectively to the public.
A Communications in Local Government sub group was therefore established in November 2021 to examine what Local Authorities are doing already in terms of their communications, while also to develop further public information initiatives to increase public awareness and improve the visibility of local government and its vital role in the everyday lives of communities, including the important role of the elected member.
The subgroup comprises representatives from the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), the County and City Management Association (CCMA), and the Local Government Management Association (LGMA). The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, chairs the meetings and provides secretariat support. This subgroup has been key in developing this campaign to date.