Local Government (Cities) Bill 2026

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

Drogheda’s municipal district would be renamed the Municipal District of Drogheda City, with the Irish name Ceantar Bardasach Chathair Dhroichead Átha, and the law would be updated so the title “Drogheda City” can be used officially. It would also create a new route for other towns to gain city status if they meet strict population, density and local-government criteria, their councillors back the move, and the Minister agrees. The aim is to recognise growing urban centres more clearly and give a formal process for granting city status in the future.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide that the municipal district area that includes the Local Electoral Area of Drogheda Urban shall be known in the Irish language as Ceantar Bardasach Chathair Dhroichead Átha and in the English language as the Municipal District of Drogheda City, and for that purpose to amend the Local Government Act 2001; to provide that specified towns which comply with the requirements provided for by this Act may be granted city status and for those purposes to amend the Local Government Act 2001; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 29 April 2026