Since
the foundation of the state, reform of local government has figured regularly in
political discourse in Ireland with various reform programmes being proposed and in some
cases implemented. The impetus for reform has stemmed from
internal catalysts such as political change, financial concerns, territorial
issues, a drive for efficiency or a desire for democratic renewal while external
influences such as international trends, global pressures, Europeanisation,
changing patterns of participation, and technological opportunities have also
shaped reform efforts. This
article reviews the various reform trajectories, paying particular attention to
developments since 1971. It presents a chronological overview of the main
reform efforts and their context. Because the form, functioning and financing
of local government were recurrent themes in the reform documents, these
aspects are examined in detail. The article concludes that although the reform path to date represents a unique blend of innovation, incrementalism and entrenchment, systemic problems remain.