COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 14, 2013

QUESTION NO. 10

QUESTION: Councillor D. Looney

To ask the Manager for an update on the implementation of local government reform with regard to this Council and associated organisations, including but not limited to what was outlined in the "Putting People First" Action Programme and the Local Government Efficiency Review Group, and to make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

Following on from the reply to the Member's question in March, the Boundary Committee published its report (attached) outlining the new electoral areas for South Dublin and details of the additional Members that would form part of the new Council following local elections in May 2014.  Further to this report work has been ongoing with the Group Leaders of this Council to examine how the business of the Council will be conducted with forty Members, the configuration of the Council Chamber and the accommodation requirement of the Members.

In addition to this, in conjunction with the other three Dublin authorities, a steering committee and working group, made up from the Members of each local authority and supported by senior management, have been formed to consider the options for a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin as set out in 'Putting People First'.   Work has progressed to the point where the possible options are currently out for public consultation with a closing date of the 12th of October.  Following the closing date, the submissions will be considered and a final paper drafted for presentation to the Minister in December.  To further facilitate the discussion a number of workshops and a town hall meeting were planned for October.

Work has progressed on the establishment of Socio Economic Committees (SEC) in Local Authorities, of which South Dublin will be a front runner, with the publication of operating guidelines and terms of reference for such committees.  These front runner committees will operate over a six month period to explore trial operational approaches which will inform community alignment and the full roll out of the SECs across the sector.  SEC related activities are expected to commence and roll out in early 2014.

With regard to the operation of LEO in South Dublin, it is anticipated that the structures will be in place in early 2014.

Further to the above, the organisation is engaged in a substantial work force planning exercise and an examination of the use of its resources in light of the foregoing reforms, which is being informed via the voluntary redundancy scheme and naturally arising retirements.

Staff continue to work with WSTO (Water Services Transition Office) on the transistion of Water Services from South Dublin to Irish Water.  

South Dublin County Council has been the lead authority on a number of shared service projects, namely:- Accounts Payable, Internal Audit and Fix Your Street and continues to input into and gain learning from other potential shared service projects through the PMO (Project Management Office).