Dublin City Council is the democratically elected body which acts as the local government of the capital city of Ireland. Prior, to January 1, 2002 the City Council of Dublin was used to mean the unicameral city assembly of Dublin, which was just a part of the administrative and governmental infrastructure known as Dublin Corporation. It is the largest local authority of the country with 6,200 staff providing wide range of services for the well being of the citizens of Dublin.
Dublin City Council - a brief History
The Municipal Corporation Reform Act passed in 1840, first paved the way for the birth of Dublin City Council. The council was established as a response to the need for reforming urban local authorities of Ireland. After the first municipal elections held in 1841, the old City Assembly was replaced with a more democratic City Council, with Daniel O'Conell as the first democratically elected Dublin Lord Mayor.
With the expansion of the city, the Dublin City Council was bestowed with more and more responsibilities. It also took over the duties of Wide Streets Commission, which was then dysfunctional and the Paving Board.
Dublin City Manager is the Chief Executive of the city council and is responsible for implementing the decisions of the council. The City Manager, along with his team of efficient councilors looks after the day to day operations of the city council.
The City Council of Dublin has played a central role in the rapid economic development of Dublin during the 1960s and 1990s. It has also organized and
|
co-ordinated major events like official visits of Pope John Paul II and US Presidents John F Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.
Offices of Dublin City Council
The Dublin City Hall is the official headquarter of the City Council of Dublin. Important council meetings are held in this hall. Located on Dame Street, it is one of the distinctive landmarks of the city and one of the finest buildings designed by Thomas Cooley. Tourists can visit the City Hall from Monday to Saturday between 10:00hrs to 17:15 hrs and on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 14:00hrs to 17:00 hrs. The Civic offices of Dublin City Council are located on Wood Quay. The Mansion House was the first official residence of the Lord Mayor.
Major functions of Dublin City Council
Functions of Dublin City Council encompass a wide range of activities including library services, public housing, planning and proper maintenance of city roads. It also looks after the various aspects of pollution in Dublin. The council also helps the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the National Roads Authority, in the traffic management of the city.
Councilor Paddy Burke is the present Lord Mayor of Dublin, and John Tierney is presently holding the office of City Manager of Dublin.
Dublin City Council, since its inception has been striving hard to establish the capital city as one of the world class cities of the world with excellent amenities for its citizens.
|
