Building Communities: The Role of Local Government in Housing

In this episode of Housing Insights, host Roslyn Molloy speaks with Tommy Moylan, Executive Director of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) and former councillor, about the role of elected members in shaping housing policy and local communities across Ireland. The discussion explores how councillors influence housing delivery through planning, land use, development plans and housing policy, while working alongside local authority executives. Tommy also outlines the findings of the Local Democracy Task Force, a major review of Ireland's local government system, and discusses how its recommendations could strengthen local democracy, improve accountability, and give communities a greater voice in decision-making. Key Discussion Points The role of councillors in housing, planning, land use, infrastructure and community development. Understanding the difference between reserve functions (policy and decision-making by elected members) and executive functions (implementation by local authority executives). How development plans shape housing delivery and the move from six-year to ten-year development plans. The importance of evidence-based housing policies, including schemes of letting priorities for social housing. Why the Local Democracy Task Force was established and the challenges facing local government since the 2014 reforms. The Task Force's eight objectives, including greater local autonomy, stronger democratic accountability, enhanced community engagement, improved Association of Irish Local Government (AILG): https://www.ailg.ie Local Democracy Task Force Report, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage: https://www.gov.ie/housing