Local government, 2016

Among the significant changes confronting local government in Ireland during 2016 was a reorganisation of its parent department. Following the general election and protracted negotiations on the formation of a government, responsibility for local government was placed within the newly created Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Some functions previously dealt with by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, such as rural development and regional affairs, were transferred to the newly configured Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.