About Meath County Council

We are the primary unit of Local Government in County Meath, established in 1899 under the 1898 Local Government (Ireland) Act. We received constitutional recognition in 1999.

We strive to deliver the best possible care to you in an effective and caring manner - view our Customer Service Section.

Roles, Responsibilities and Functions

The Council has 40 elected members from six municipal districts across the County. They are directly elected by proportional representation with a single transferable vote. Elections are held every five years. The Chairman is elected from the elected members at the annual meeting of the Council.

Functions performed by the elected representatives are called “reserved functions”. The Council makes its decisions by “resolution” at its meetings.

Reserved functions include:

• Adopting the Annual Budget

• Making or varying the Development Plan

• Adopting a plan of letting priorities for Local Authority Housing

• Making, amending and revoking bye laws

• Approval for borrowing

We hold monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month (excluding August). We also hold an Annual Meeting and a Budget meeting, and any other meetings as required for business. Members of the public and media have a right to attend council meetings.

Governance and Management

Chief Executive and Staff

We have responsibility for the efficient and effective operation of Meath’s administration. We ensure the implementation of the decisions of the elected members. The Chief Executive carries out the executive functions of the Council.

These functions include:

• Employment of staff

• Granting or refusal of planning permissions

• Property management

• Day to day running of the Council

The Chief Executive, with the support of staff, carries out daily administration and makes decisions in writing, called “Chief Executive’s Orders”. These are circulated to the elected members at the monthly meeting.

Our Management Team

Jackie Maguire – Chief Executive
Des Foley - Director of Services for Corporate Services, Human Resources, Fire & Emergency Services and Culture (Library and Arts Services) (Trim and Ratoath Municipal District)
Kevin Stewart - Director of Services for Planning, Economic Development and Environment (Navan and Kells Municipal District)
Barry Lynch - Director of Services for Transportation, Housing and Community (excluding Library and Arts Service)
Fiona Lawless – Head of Finance, Finance, Information Technology and Water Services

Strategic Policy Committees

We have established Strategic Policy Committees (SPC’s). These are chaired by an elected member but include elected members and sectoral/community interests. SPC’s advise the Council on policy matters.

The Strategic Policy Committees of the Council are:

• Planning, Economic Development and Enterprise

• Environmental

• Transportation

• Housing, Social, Community and Cultural

Corporate Policy Group

The chairpersons of the SPCs together with the chairperson of the Council form a Corporate Policy Group (CPG). This group links the work of the SPCs together. It provides a forum where policy decisions affecting Meath can be agreed for submission to the full Council.

Both the SPCs and the Corporate Policy Group have legal recognition. They are supported by the management structure.

Services

Services we deliver include:

Businesses Services

Visit our Business Section covering the Economic & Enterprise Team, Business Advice and Information including Planning Application Information and Starting a Business, Why Invest in Meath?.

Community Services

Electoral Register

Check you are on the Electoral Register, or that your Details are Correct, Non-Irish Citizens and Voting, Frequently Asked Questions

Environment

Recycling, Dog Licences, Waste Management Permits, Noise, Bin Collectors, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Housing

Renting Local Authority Housing FAQs

Libraries

How to Join, Multi-Cultural Resources, Community Facilities and Services, How to Use our Online Service

Planning and Development

Find a Planning Permission Application, How to Apply for Planning Permission, Development Plans, Planning Permission Frequently Asked Questions

Roads

Roads Queries, Motor Tax

Tourism Services

Water Services

Who to contact about Water Leaks, Water Metering, Queries about Loss of Water Supply, Flooding on Roads, Well Grants, Water Connections, and more.

Local Authorities: providing services for our everyday lives Video

Your city and county councils are committed to providing timely, efficient and meaningful services to you: where you work, live and visit. Have a look at this video to remind yourself of all those services. See also how local authorities are transforming and implementing efficiencies, for more see the Video below 'Local Authorities: providing services for our everyday lives' produced by the Local Government Management Agency.