The Association of Irish Local Government

03/10/2026

A fantastic two days in Letterkenny for the AILG Autumn Training Seminar 2026 – “The Future of Local Democracy: From Report to Reality.”

With implementation of the Local Democracy Taskforce recommendations now ahead, the Seminar gave councillors from across Ireland an important opportunity to engage on the future of local government and the evolving role of the elected member. Thank you to Minister for his engagement and keynote address to elected members from across Ireland.

A particular highlight was recognising the first 23 graduates of AILG’s Level 8 Spatial Planning Micro-Credential with Maynooth University.

We were also delighted to welcome local government leaders and colleagues from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England to share valuable insights on reform and democratic leadership across these islands.

Sincere thanks to all of our speakers, panellists, members, County Council and everyone who helped make the Seminar such a success.

17/09/2026

AILG strongly condemns the assault on Deputy Michael Healy-Rae in Dublin yesterday and wishes Michael a full and speedy recovery.

Political disagreement is part of a healthy democracy. Violence, intimidation and harassment are not.

Every elected representative at local or national level has the right to carry out their public duties safely and without fear.

AILG will continue to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of elected representatives and for respect in public life.

We wish Michael and his family well following what must have been a deeply upsetting experience.

Michael Healy-Rae T.D.

16/09/2026

Saturday was a proud day for AILG as the second intake of the Level 8 Micro-Credential in Spatial Planning commenced on the Maynooth University campus.

Delivered in partnership with the Department of Geography at , the programme is being undertaken by 18 councillors from across the country.

The course launches at an important time as the planning landscape continues to evolve and councillors play an essential role in shaping sustainable communities.
This programme was developed in direct response to elected members’ need for more advanced, practical education that can support confident and informed engagement with planning policy and decision-making.

We wish every success to this year’s participants and are proud to support them as they build on the knowledge and skills needed for their vital role in local government.

James Browne TD

15/09/2026

Today, 15 September, we mark International Day of Democracy – an opportunity to recognise the importance of democratic participation and the vital role of local democracy in communities across Ireland.

Ireland’s 950 City and County Councillors are at the heart of that democracy: representing their communities, giving local people a voice, shaping local services and places, and bringing local priorities into the decision-making process.

Strong local democracy depends on participation, inclusion and meaningful engagement between citizens and their elected representatives.

At AILG, we are proud to support Ireland’s councillors in carrying out that important public service.

Local democracy matters – because strong communities need strong local voices. 🇮🇪

15/09/2026

A very positive week for the Women’s Regional Caucus Network, with meetings of both our Northern & Western and Eastern & Midlands Regional Caucuses.

Women councillors from across both regions came together to review and shape the next phase of the Network, with the National and Regional Programmes of Work for 2026–2029 agreed in principle, alongside the proposed governance arrangements for how the Caucuses will operate.

The discussions reflected the wide range of issues raised by members - from family-friendly elected office, leadership and mentoring, safety, VAWG and women’s health, to regional priorities including rural mobility, digital democracy, safer public spaces and inclusive local democracy.

Thank you to all members who contributed so openly and constructively, and to our Independent Facilitator, Sinéad Doody, for guiding the discussions and helping ensure members’ voices remain at the centre of the Network.

A special thank you also toCavan County Council and Fingal County Council for hosting the meetings and facilitating hybrid participation, an important part of ensuring the Network remains as accessible and inclusive as possible.

Next up is our Southern Regional Caucus meeting, before we move into the delivery phase and begin turning these Programmes into action.

18/08/2026

AILG is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Cllr. Séamus Coyle of Monaghan County Council.

First elected in 2004, Séamus gave 22 years of dedicated service to local government and to the people of County Monaghan, including serving twice as Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council.

On behalf of AILG and councillors across the country, President Cllr. Aengus O’Rourke extends his deepest sympathies to Séamus’s family, friends, colleagues in Monaghan County Council and the communities he represented with such commitment over many years.

His passing will be deeply felt across Monaghan and throughout the wider local government family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

31/07/2026

Over the past number of days, we've heard from female councillors across Ireland who have experienced unacceptable harassment.

As President of the Association of Irish Local Government, I want to make one thing absolutely clear.

Nobody should face intimidation or abuse simply because they have chosen to serve their community.

Today, I want our female colleagues to know that they are not facing this alone.

AILG stands firmly with you.

I'm grateful to the many councillors from every political party who have spoken out and shown their support. That solidarity reminds us of what local government is really about - people working together for their communities.

The overwhelming majority of people respect and value the work councillors do every day. We cannot allow the actions of a very small minority to define public life or discourage women from entering local government.

Together, we will continue to stand up for respect, safety and dignity in public service.

30/07/2026

🎙️ This morning, AILG Head of Operations, Elaine Lynch, spoke on RTÉ Morning Ireland about the targeted harassment of female councillors.

AILG has been supporting female councillors across Ireland following reports of persistent harassing telephone calls directed at women serving in local government. The AILG has acted quickly by contacting members, engaging with An Garda Síochána, providing practical guidance and speaking out publicly to ensure those affected know they are not alone.

Our message is clear:

➡️Harassment of women in public life is never acceptable.
➡️We stand with every female councillor affected.
➡️We encourage anyone experiencing this behaviour to report it.
➡️We remain committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for women in local government.

The overwhelming majority of people engage respectfully with their local councillors every day, and we must not allow the actions of a small minority to discourage women from public service. We need more women in local government- not fewer.

🎧 Listen back to Elaine's Morning Ireland interview below.
https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0730/1585778-councillor-harassment/

The organisation representing local elected representatives has expressed concern over the harassment of up to 70 female councillors across the country.

29/07/2026

AILG has today issued a statement following reports from female councillors across the country of persistent and disturbing harassing telephone calls.

We have contacted all female councillors nationally, provided practical guidance and are working with An Garda Síochána.

Every councillor deserves to serve their community free from harassment, intimidation and abuse.

Read our full statement below.
https://ailg.ie/ailg-condemns-targeted-harassment-of-female-councillors/

23/07/2026

We are delighted to welcome Aengus O'Rourke as the new President of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), following his election at our AGM earlier today.

We would also like to congratulate our outgoing President, Cllr. Mary Hanna Hourigan and Executive on a successful year and thank them for their leadership and commitment throughout their term.

We look forward to working with the incoming Officer Board and Executive Committee for what promises to be a busy and important year for local government.

Congratulations to all involved, and best wishes to President Cllr. Aengus O’Rourke for the year ahead! 👏