The Government has been urged to transfer more functions to local authorities following a review carried out by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.
It found that despite local government reforms over the last decade, Ireland remains one of the most centralised countries in Europe.
This report stated that there is much to be done before local government in Ireland is on par with other countries.
It believes councils should have a greater say in how State money is spent in local areas.
It is recommended too that a formal structure is put in place to allow regular consultation between central and local government.
It was observed that there was an element of central government distrust about the ability of local authorities to shoulder responsibilities.
Although the report points out that the local authority response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the arrival of Ukrainian refugees, showed them to be responsible and efficient.
The report's findings are set to be examined soon by the Seanad Public Consultation Committee chaired by Senator Mark Daly.
