Several Kerry county councillors have spoken in support of the Government's planned local government reforms.
The Department of Local Government published the Local Democracy Taskforce Report and launched an implementation plan yesterday.
The report was promised in the Programme for Government, and its goal is to strengthen local democracy and deliver better outcomes for communities.
Among its recommendations is the replacement of municipal district committees with municipal councils.
The Local Democracy Taskforce identified a need to strengthen local democracy and bring power closer to communities.
The report recommends enhancing the role of municipal districts by turning them into municipal councils, giving them a stronger role in local decision-making and improving their capacity to deliver services at a local level.
There are currently five municipal districts in Kerry.
Town councils were abolished in 2014.
Municipal councils will differ from town councils in that they will represent all the people in a municipal district, not just those living in urban areas.
The recommendations also include mechanisms to strengthen the role of elected councillors, giving them greater influence over local authority policy, decision-making and executive oversight.
Councillors could also have a greater role in the preparation and oversight of local authority budgets, giving elected members more influence over spending decisions.
The reforms propose that more functions be transferred from central Government to local authorities.
The taskforce also recommends exploring ways to increase local authorities' financial autonomy.
Councillors would also receive improved support, resources and training to help them carry out their roles more effectively.
Councillor Tommy Cahill said the reforms represent one of the most significant overhauls of local government in decades.
Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae said councillors have often lacked the powers necessary to bring about meaningful change for too long.
Meanwhile, councillor Jimmy Moloney stated that as "trust in democratic institutions is falling across Europe and the world it's vital Ireland has a functioning system of local government which serves all … citizens".
