Local Government

This programme is aimed at developing within individuals the capacity to understand and change organisational systems and to understand and change oneself.

A key objective is to build capacity in individuals to operate outside of their functional responsibilities and to broaden their understanding of organisational and system issues, enhancing their ability to operate at a strategic level. The programme therefore challenges individuals to move beyond their current functional roles and behaviour; to open up to approaches when working with others to achieve goals and to generate more efficient and innovative outcomes.

The A – Z of Irish Local Government is designed to give an overview of each of the key services, and the principal pieces of legislation underpinning the services currently being provided by Local Authorities in Ireland. The A - Z of Irish Local Government is ideal for anyone (either from a Local Authority or from an organisation associated with the Local Government sector) who wants to develop a more wide-ranging knowledge of the sector.  This programme is currently available as a series of pre-recorded videos.

The modular Legislative Training Programme is available for delivery online.  It addresses legislation pertaining to the areas of Housing, Planning, Environment, Water and Roads & Transportation Services in Irish Local Authorities. There are two sessions allocated to each of the five Service areas.  This programme is currently available as a series of pre-recorded videos.

Standards for Rented Houses is a training programme for all staff, both professional/technical and administrative, who have responsibilities related to enforcement of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. The IPA, working in close collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, present this four-day training progamme. 

The programme seeks to bring about a common understanding among Inspectorate Staff, and thereby a standardisation, in interpretation and implementation of the Regulations and Guidelines both within individual local authorities and across the sector generally.

Scenarios and Roleplay Training for Housing Practitioners is a one day programme for Official Visitors to a person/s in the person/s home. This includes Local Authority Officers, Officials and Inspectors that must have access to the persons home for official reasons.

Anti-social behaviour has become an all too real issue in recent years with many local authorities and their staff having to learn how to deal effectively with difficult problems arising within their housing stock; this in addition to their daily duties.

Anti-social problems can range from neighbour disputes to drug dealing - highlight the myriad of issues presenting themselves at the local authorities throughout the country.  It is imperative that they are dealt with effectively to prevent difficulties escalating.

The Social Housing Fundamentals course is designed for newly appointed (technical and non-technical) staff in Local Authorities (Grades 3-6) and Approved Housing Bodies who provide social housing services.  It will provide participants with an overview of key elements of housing policy, the social housing market and housing services.  This is a one day online course and can also be delivered as bespoke course within an Irish Local Authority.

Commercial Rates Law is a one day online course that is for staff working within the Irish Local Government Sector who are dealing with the process of collecting commercial rates.

Debt Management Units have been established in Irish Local Authorities to deal with many areas of debt management including debts associated with commercial rates, housing rents and housing loans. The focus of this course centres specifically on the area of commercial rates law.

Courtroom Skills is a one-day intenstive training course that is ideal for anyone who may be expected to give evidence in court in a professional capacity. Participants will learn about effective courtroom presentation and communication skills. Particular focus is placed on confidence building and assertive communication. Participants will have an opportunity to be examined in chief and cross-examined on a sample-case and receive one to one feedback. 

Debt Collection Techniques is for staff working in Debt Management Units within the Irish Local Government Sector.

Debt Management Units have been established in Irish Local Authorities to deal with many areas of debt management including debts associated with commercial rates, housing rents and housing loans. The focus of this course centres on how staff working in these units can develop techniques to better handle and deal with the process of debt collection.