Ask the Expert – lessons for the UK from the Irish Local Democracy Taskforce Thu, 17 Sep

Although Ireland as a nation has a long democratic tradition, the same cannot be said for local government in Ireland. The Local Democracy Taskforce was established in June 2025 in an effort to strengthen local democracy. They reported their findings in March 2026, with over 70 recommendations that have now been adopted by the Irish Government.

This webinar will provide officers and elected members from LGIU councils across the UK, Ireland and Australia with the opportunity to hear from experts on how the Taskforce completed its work and consider whether/how its recommendations are relevant to the Local Government Reorganisation programme in England, the Scottish local government taskforce and other local government reforms across the globe.

Key outcomes

• Understanding the remit,  and method of operating of the Taskforce.
• Explanation of the key principles for renewing Local Government in Ireland as set out by the Taskforce.
• Consideration of the key recommendations made by the Taskforce, such as the reestablishment of municipal councils (will this happen in England after LGR?).
• Deliberation of whether/how the Taskforce and its report could be relevant to the discussions about local government reform in England, Scotland and other parts of the world.

Speakers

Dr Brid Quinn – A member of the Local Democracy Taskforce and an emeritus Lecturer for the University of Limerick and the Institute of Public Administration. She was also Ireland's representative on the Council of Europe’s CLRAE Group of Independent Experts. Brid will provide an overview of how the taskforce operated, and the lessons which were learned.

Joe McGrath – Former Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council (2014-2024). Joe will outline the major recommendations from the Taskforce and how this can help English and Scottish Chief Executives and councils.