Minister for the Environment and Local Government John Gormley has signalled that an election for mayor for Dublin could take place as early as June this year.
Speaking in Co Kildare today at the conclusion of a two-day Green Party ‘think-in’, Mr Gormley said he will be outlining the legislation for the election within the next few weeks.
“Later this year Dubliners will elect a mayor with the powers needed to make the capital thrive," he said.
Under the plan, the mayor, will be paid the same salary as a Government Minister, will have responsibility for transport, planning and waste management across the four Dublin local authorities.
Mr Gormley said that the directly elected mayor, who will have powers similar to those of the London mayor, will be chair of the Dublin Transport Authority with a direct role in the development of transport strategy in the capital.
He added that the mayor would oversee the implementation by the four Dublin local authorities of agreed regional strategies. The mayor would also be responsible for bringing key public and private sector partners together to promote a dynamic and enterprising city region.
He said he was confident the mayor would “raise the profile of Dublin, enhance local democracy and accountability, and lead the provision of a more effective and integrated public service across the city and region”.
Mr Gormley said the initiative is part of a package of measures agreed in the renewed Programme for Government.