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Local Government

Local Government in Ireland is at the heart of our democracy, and Senator Victor Boyhan believes local councillors need to be supported and protected in their work.
He retains a unique voice in Seanad Eireann on behalf of local councillors and local democracy.

Senator Boyhan is the first Independent Senator elected to a Vocational Panel in the Seanad elections. Prior to his election, all members of the Vocational Panel in the Senate were either Taoiseach’s nominees or elected to one of the two University constituencies (Trinity College Dublin and the National University of Ireland).

Senators (Seanadóirí)

Like TDs, Senators have a busy and varied week. The Seanad sitting commences with the announcement of the Order of Business and Senators normally get the opportunity to broaden the debate to raise important and topical issues of the day and request time to debate them.
A typical day involves: 

  • debating and voting on legislation,
  • statements on matters of national importance, 
  • serving on and attending Oireachtas Committee meetings,
  • providing important contributions and expertise.

In addition to their parliamentary duties, Senators liaise with civil society groups, contribute to debates in the national and local media and work on behalf of their electorate.

Senator Boyhan has been a member of the AILG - the Association of Irish Local Government - since his time as a Councillor.
For more details of AILG’s work and resources, go to www.ailg.ie
The Association’s list of links to local councils’ websites is also useful here http://www.ailg.ie/links/

POWERS OF LOCAL COUNCILS

In November 2016, a Government Bill to fast track the planning process was debated in Seanad Eireann. Senator Boyhan has expressed strong concerns at the erosion of the role of local elected representatives, and local people, in the planning process, particularly in raising objections and being informed of developments in their areas.

If you are a local Councillor and wish to contact Senator Boyhan, please do get in touch via his Seanad office 01 618 3737. Or email

IMPORTANT LINKS

Seanad Eireann Debates : www.beta.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2017-06-22/

Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government website : www.housing.org.ie

Rebuilding Ireland website : www.rebuildingireland.ie

Housing Assistance Payement (HAP) Scheme : www.hap.ie

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Please find and download documents from Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.