Charting a Century of Local Government Change
Waterford City and County Council is pleased to present a seminar on Sweeping Changes – Separation and Centralisation in Local Government Reform.
Taking place in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan on Saturday, October 4th, this free event examines the sweeping changes the 1925 Local Government Act brought to local governments with the abolition of Rural District Councils. Don’t be fooled by the title though, this seminar will be rife with rows, repudiations and tales of embezzlement and prison.
The seminar will explore centralisation in Local Government reform by the new Free State Government.
The abolition of the Rural District Councils was not well received by many in Waterford, and, in fact, the members of Waterford County Council officially repudiated their own Chairman, Senator P.W. Kenny for his support of that abolition. The requirement for all new local authority staff to pledge allegiance to the Free State was another source of contention and there was no great love for the idea of one County Medical Officer in Waterford Corporation or Waterford County Council.
1925 was a difficult year all round in Waterford. There was concern about unemployment in the city, distress in Ballingoul and the Council was beset with not one, but two, cases of embezzlement.
The seminar will be opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan.
Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD will provide the opening address on The Future of Local Democracy-Local Government Reform in Ireland. Dr. Aodh Quinliven will speak on The Dead Hand – A historical perspective on local government in Ireland and Dr. Arlene Crampsie will address Taking Power from the people – abolishing the Rural District Councils.
Waterford City and County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell will focus on The 1925 Act in Action in Waterford.
The event will close with a light lunch for attendees. The event is free to attend, however, pre-booking is necessary. To book your place visit Eventbrite at: https://bit.ly/sweepingchanges
