Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group

Recommendations:
6.11.1 In summary, the Group considers that there is potential to reduce the
number of senior managerial and managerial grades within local
government. Based on its analysis of staffing levels in different local
authorities, the Group also recommends reducing staff numbers in specific
service areas, as well as the establishment of several joint administrative
structures covering two counties for the purpose of joint management teams
and pooled corporate functions.
6.11.2 Thus the Group recommends that:
• The number of county/ city managers be reduced from 34 to 24,
representing a reduction of 30%;
• The number of directors, based on a standard template related to the
size of the local authority, be reduced by at least 20% from 240 to 190;
• The number of senior and middle managers (administrative and
professional) be reduced by 15%;
• Ten joint administrative areas across 20 county and city council areas
be established to pool corporate functions and other service areas,
with each joint administrative area under the responsibility of a single
manager;
• The number of corporate service staff be reduced by 10% in the joint
administrative areas, and by 5% in several other local authorities;
• The number of planning staff be reduced by 10%;
• The number of roads staff be reduced by 250, with an emphasis on
reducing numbers in certain local authorities (this will yield a saving of
€8 million – see section 10.2);
• The staffing complements and number of senior managers in Dublin
and Cork cities be independently reviewed (over a six-month period),
with a target of reducing numbers by at least 15%.
6.11.3 The total value of the savings identified above is €94 million in a full year,
but excludes the cost of pensions as these are unknown and will depend on
the length of service, etc of personnel exiting the system.
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