This concise text gives you an introduction and overview to the roles, responsibilities and the law of local government in Ireland. It acts as a one-stop reference source and handbook for local authority officials and staff, outlining roles, liabilities and statutory duties. The work also: *Gives a brief outline of the history of local government * Offers a concise overview of roles and responsibilities - from housing, to pollution and animal control, to planning and urban renewal * Is comprehensive, presenting all relevant acts and analysing their impact on local government * Brings the reader up to date, providing a full chapter of commentary on the Local Government Bill 2000.