Sir, – As many town councils fearfully await Minister the Environment Phil Hogan’s unwieldy axe (“Abolition of councils on agenda for Cabinet”, Home News, July 23rd), I would like to clarify the situation that prevails in relation to annual payment for town councillors since January 1st, 2010. In Killarney it is as follows: payment, €4,181; allowance, €2,036. The figure of €16,724 (excluding allowance) applies to county councillors.
The article states that the justification for the abolition of about 25 councils is their “limited range of functions”. The reason for the situation being thus is that central governments have progressively stripped local authorities of their power in the interest of centralising most meaningful decision- making.
Local councils have invariably conducted their business to highest standards and unlike central government have not dismally failed the public whom they have served faithfully and well.
It is to be regretted that a Minister from a largely rural constituency is, it appears, going to be the one to further disenfranchise the public.
Shame on Phil Hogan! I had expected better.
Cllr MICHAEL GLEESON,
South Kerry Independent Alliance,
Clasheen,
Killarney,
Co Kerry.