Local Matters: Parish, Local Government and Community in Ireland
Strong local communities are the bedrock of a solid society and economy. This is increasingly recognised by leading international economists and political scientists. Local Matters explores two spheres of significance for communities – parishes and local government. Both have been major contributors to building social fabric in the past. But has there been a decline in social capital as a result of the waning of parishes and the reduced scope of local government? And now that there is a clear separation between Church and State in Ireland, is there scope for mature and fruitful cooperation between parishes and local government to the benefit of local communities?
FINOLA KENNEDY
Finola Kennedy lectured in economics in UCD and the IPA. She served on a number of state boards, including the Housing Finance Agency (Chair), ACCBank and the Railway Procurement Agency. Her publications include Cottage to Crèche (2001), Frank Duff: A Life Story (2011), ESRI papers, journal articles, book chapters and newspaper articles.
CONTENTS
Introduction
1. The Parish Landscape
2. Celebration, Commemoration
3. Parish Groups
4. Branching Out
5. Local Government
6. Community, Local Amenities, Local Authorities
7. Parish as Social Capital
8. Renewal
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Note on Ecclesiastical Provinces, Archdioceses and Dioceses
Appendix 2: Parish Groups not Included in Chapter 3
Notes
Bibliography