From the every outset of her political career Alison Comyn has put City Status for Drogheda at the top of her agenda. She said so at the launch of her general election campaign and she said it again during her maiden speech in the Senate last Wednesday. 

Senator Comyn’s chance to raise the topic of City Status for Drogheda came on her first day in the Seanad when the newly-elected Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, spoke of the reform and restoration of local democracy in the Programme for Government. 

“Even though I hadn’t prepared anything, I couldn’t pass up my first chance to address this hallowed chamber” she said. 

“That was one of my key aims for the General Election - along with the establishment of a City Manager role - it was the ideal opportunity to attach its relevance to Drogheda and East Meath.” 

Last year, The Seanad Public Consultation Committee chaired by then Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Daly, launched its final report on its public consultation on the Future of Local Democracy, in which Senators recommend the establishment of a Local Democracy Task Force. 

In finalising its ‘Report on the Future of Local Democracy’, the Committee agreed to recommend the establishment of a Local Democracy Task Force, with 25 recommendations which include the composition of the Task Force and the matters it should focus on, the need to review the financing of local government, potential supports for councillors and changes to the powers and functions of local authorities. 

“I am particularly keen to be involved in that taskforce, as that is the level of commitment and power we will need to restore the local democracy we need,” added Senator Comyn. 

“The Seanad committee recommended that within three months of the formation of the next Government, the minister with responsibility for local government should convene a “Local Democracy Taskforce” to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government and within six months of the first meeting of the Taskforce, the Minister shall make legislative and regulatory proposals to the Government for its approval, to ‘Reimagine Local Democracy’, improving local democracy and government for citizens. 

“I wholeheartedly support these recommendations. I see this as the first steps on the path to Drogheda becoming a city; although a Freudian slip whilst thinking on my feet meant I said ‘a city again.”