Local Government Act, 1991

Twinning of local authority areas.

49.—(1) A local authority may enter into arrangements for the twinning of its functional area or a part thereof or establish other similar links with any other area, whether within or outside the State.

(2) The decision to enter into an arrangement under subsection (1) shall be a reserved function.

(3) A local authority shall not enter into an arrangement under subsection (1) unless, having had regard to the matters specified hereunder, they are satisfied that the arrangement is justified, the matters aforesaid being—

(a) the ensuing benefits likely to accrue to its functional area and the local community,

(b) the social, cultural and general interests of its functional area and the local community,

(c) the ensuing cost.

(4) The Minister may issue directions to local authorities or specified classes of local authorities for the purposes of this section.

(5) There shall be recorded in the report of a local authority for any year particulars in relation to the performance of its functions by the local authority under this section for that year.