Elected Representatives in Clare are calling for the urgent enhancement of local authority powers.
It comes amid new data which shows Ireland has the lowest number of councillors per capita within the EU.
New data shows that Ireland has the lowest number of local representatives per Capita in the EU and with 28 councillors currently serving in Clare, that means there is just one elected member for every 4,500 residents in the county.
However frustration is growing among local politicians here that their work is being undermined by a lack of resources.
Earlier this month, the Department of Housing issued a directive for Clare County Council’s development plan, ordering the rezoning of twenty lands previously earmarked for residential use.
The dezoning has now left applications for public wastewater systems in Cooraclare and Broadford in doubt.
However a North Clare Councillor believes the funding and powers for such decisions should lie with the local authority.
Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says the government need to trust the people on the ground who understand the acute needs of their communities.
An East Clare representative meanwhile, believes the remuneration package of the job needs to reflect the unsociable hours worked by local representatives in order to make the profession more attractive to future generations.
Killaloe Fianna Fáíl Councillor, Alan O’Callaghan says it is not possible to rear a family amid the current cost of living crisis on a councillors salary alone.
You can listen to the full interview below.
