Mayor of Drogheda Declan Power has welcomed plans to establish municipal councils across every local authority by 2029, saying the reforms could give the town greater control over local decisions, planning and funding.
He said the proposed changes would better reflect Drogheda’s size and rapid growth by allowing more decisions to be made locally and by giving the town a clearer framework for setting priorities and securing investment.
Democracy Taskforce, “Establish Municipal Councils with a strengthened role in every local authority.” Mayor Declan Power said, “This is the moment towns like Drogheda have been waiting for. We deserve governance structures that match our scale, our growth, and our ambition, and today’s announcement finally recognises that. ”The Taskforce made clear that municipal councils should hold real authority, noting that powers capable of being exercised at municipal or plenary level should default to Municipal Council.”
This shift would ensure decisions about Drogheda are made in Drogheda, by representatives who understand our community’s needs and priorities. Mayor Power added: “Local decisions should be made locally. It’s as simple as that. Returning statutory powers to municipal level is not just good governance, it’s common sense.” The report also highlights the importance of structured, town‑focused planning. Municipal councils will be responsible for developing Town Priority Programmes, with regular implementation reports.
This is particularly relevant for Drogheda, Ireland’s fastest‑growing town. “Drogheda is expanding at a pace unmatched anywhere else in the country,” Mayor Power said.
“Town Priority Programmes will finally give us the structured, accountable planning framework we need to manage that growth responsibly. ”Crucially, the reforms recognise that ambition must be matched with resources. The Taskforce recommends that municipal councils be empowered to include town‑specific funding within their budgets “Ensure Municipal Council Budgets can include town-specific funding.” “This isn’t just about structures it’s about resources,” Mayor Power said.
“Town‑specific funding will allow Drogheda to invest directly in the projects that matter most to our residents.” The announcement also supports stronger oversight and governance structures for elected members. Actions 15–21 emphasise enhanced policy direction, improved reporting, and formal engagement with state agencies, all of which strengthen accountability and transparency. Finally, the Taskforce’s recommendations on representation are particularly relevant to Drogheda’s rapid growth. The report calls for electoral area reviews based on the most recent Census “Retain current framework for reviewing local electoral areas based on the most recent Census.” “Representation must reflect reality,” Mayor Power said.
“As Drogheda grows, so too must our democratic structures. This review is timely and necessary.” Today’s announcement is a positive and necessary step. It reflects national recognition of what communities like ours have long understood: strong towns need strong local governance.“Drogheda is ready for this next chapter,” Mayor Power concluded.
“I look forward to working constructively with my colleagues, and Government to ensure these reforms deliver real, tangible benefits for our town.”
Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn has hailed the Government’s decision to restore a Municipal Council for Drogheda as one of the most significant milestones for local democracy in the town in decades. Having campaigned for stronger local decision-making since first putting her name before the people, Senator Comyn said today’s announcement delivers on both a commitment in the Programme for Government and a long-standing priority of her own.
“This is one of the days I have been working towards since I first ran for election and since becoming a member of the Oireachtas,” Senator Comyn said.
“I have always believed that a town of Drogheda’s size, history and ambition deserves a stronger voice in shaping its own future. Decisions affecting Drogheda should, wherever possible, be made in Drogheda by the people who know our community best.”
