Local authority reform 'could save half a billion euro'
The Government has being told that it could save more than half a billion euro through cuts and efficiencies in local authorities across the country.
However, the 'Bord Snip Eile' report to the Environment Minister also means we could be paying more, with more road tolls recommended as well as hikes in charges.
The group says even greater savings could be made in Dublin and Cork City Councils after a more indepth review of those authorities.
The report says between savings and some revenue raising, the Government could be €511m better off every year.
Staff numbers at middle and senior management should be cut, with reductions too in planners, roads staff, with quangos such as joint burial boards and joint drainage boards being dissolved.
The number of city and county managers should be cut from 34 to 24, with a recommendation for effective amalgamation of authorities such as Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils and the City and County Council in Galway.
Procuring goods and services should be done at an almost national level to get value from purchasing power.
On possible new costs to the public, it says more tolls are needed on new and existing national roads, while domestic water charges are demanded again.
It says planning fees should be hiked up and the public should pay €10 more to renew your motor tax in person rather than do it online.
Environment Minister John Gormley said that the recommendations will be considered.
