The Green Party Ard Fheis opened last night with Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley revealing plans to reform local government.
He also called for greater policing of local authorities.
Among the proposals are plans to strengthen the enforcement of planning laws.
“I'm also concerned that the ethics system concerning local government needs to be strengthened,” he said.
“At the moment councillors are required by law to each year declare interests and reveal any potential conflicts. But I believe enforcement in this area is weak.”