Systems of multilevel governance[1]

Representation: There is no formal representation of the Local Authorities before the central government. However, the members of the Parliament provide a role in setting up meetings with ministers for individual Local Authorities or by putting on the record of the Parliament concerns expressed by the representative associations, the County and City Management Association and the Association of Irish Local Government .

Information: Relevant government departments liaise with Local Authorities on a regular basis about any changes in legislation or government policy. The provision of such information is a matter for each government department.

Consultation: There is no framework for the consultation of local and regional government. However, ad hoc informal consultations may be initiated between officials from the Local Authorities and the central government. This mainly concerns technical rather than political issues. The consultation procedure is entirely dependent on the political imperatives and departmental priorities of the day. Local Authorities, as a relevant stakeholder, would be consulted on any proposed changes that would have an impact on their functions and responsibilities.

Coordination: The national government's Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has primary supervisory authority over the local and regional government. This department has significant ex ante responsibility (approval) and ex post responsibility (monitoring legality) over local and regional government.

The Regional Assembly comprises elected members nominated by the constituent Local Authorities within the region.

[1] Council of European Municipalities and Regions, Consultation procedures within European States, 2007.​