LOUGHREA MAYOR QUESTIONS IMPACT OF TOWN COUNCIL ABOLITION ON LOCAL COMMUNITY

Date Published: 16-Oct-2012

The people of Loughrea may face losing a direct line of local representation following the government decision's to scrap the town council.

That's according to Mayor of Loughrea Geraldine Bane who says while reform is needed, an important connection may now be lost for local residents.

Her comments come following an announcement by Environment Minister Phil Hogan this afternoon that Tuam, Ballinasloe and Loughrea Town Councils are among those to be scrapped.

Nationally, the action plan entitled 'Putting People First' will see the abolition of 83 local authorities - nearly all of them town councils - as part of plans to save 420 million euro.

They'll be replaced with a new system of municipal districts operating under the county or city council system.

Speaking to Galway Bay fm news this afternoon, Loughrea Mayor Geraldine Bane questions whether this is the type of reform needed.