A Kerry County Councillor says the findings of a Government taskforce which recommends that more powers should be given to local authorities is positive.
The local democracy taskforce is due to report to the Government in the coming weeks.
The Irish Examiner reports that the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) has seen some recommendations in the taskforce's final report.
Independent councillor Jackie Healy-Rae, who is a delegate for the AILG, says power has been too centralised and local authorities should have more decision-making roles.
He says local authorities need more discretion over the funding it has and where members feel it should be spent.
Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae uses the example of a tourist tax to highlight how other funds could be raised for the council to spend on local projects:
