Abstract:
Among the significant changes confronting local government in
Ireland during 2016 was a reorganisation of its parent department.
Following the general election and protracted negotiations on the
formation of a government, responsibility for local government was
placed within the newly created Department of Housing, Planning,
Community and Local Government. Some functions previously dealt
with by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local
Government, such as rural development and regional affairs, were
transferred to the newly configured Department of Arts, Heritage,
Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.