The Government has revealed details of its proposals for directly elected mayors, saying the changes would represent a "significant shift" in local government practice.
On May 24th, plebiscites will be held in three council areas - Cork City, Limerick City and County, and Waterford City and Council.
People will be asked to vote on whether they support the proposals for directly elected mayors to take on 'executive functions' for the councils.
They would draft and present policy proposals for the council's approval.
According to the Government, the mayors would take over a 'significant amount' of the functions currently performed by local authority chief executives.
It's proposed that that would include housing-related executive functions such as managing processes relating to social housing - such as the application process, maintenance and evictions.
While the mayors would play a role in developing the overall planning strategy, they would not have a role in granting planning applications - with the Government citing 'issues raised' during the Mahon Tribunal.
Mayors would also represent the entire local authority area at "local, national and international level".
'Significant shift'
Elsewhere, the mayors would be responsible for drafting a council budget - but the chief executives would continue to be responsible for staff-related matters such as appointments.
The proposals suggest the relationship between a mayor and chief executive would overall be similar to the one between a Government minister and the secretary general of a department.
However, the Government acknowledges this would mark a "significant shift in long-established local government practice in Ireland".
The councils themselves would be responsible for the oversight of the mayor - including potentially initiating a process of removing the mayor from office when it comes to misbehaviour or a major failure to perform their duties.
However, there would also be a recall mechanism to allow the electorate have a say in removing a mayor.
While no final decision has been made, the proposals suggest a mayor's salary could be similar to that of a minister of state (currently €129,854).
Estimated annual costs of three directly elected mayors. Image: Government of IrelandThe plebiscites on the proposals will take place on the same day as the local and European elections, as well as the referendum on reducing waiting times for divorce.
An information campaign on the proposals is being launched in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the detailed proposals are now available online.
