The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) has published its Corporate Plan 2026–2030, setting out a roadmap for the organisation for the next five years.
The LGMA is a State agency that offers strategic leadership and coordination to empower local authorities to design, develop, and deliver services that meet the needs of communities across Ireland. Its work encompasses a wide range of professional services for local authorities, including support for the County and City Management Association (CCMA), leadership in delivering national projects, and active engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders to represent the interests of local authorities.
The Corporate Plan was developed in consultation with LGMA staff and stakeholders. It sets out an ambitious approach for the Agency to empower local government and to support, enhance and accelerate the delivery of high‑quality local government services.
It is built around three goals, which are supported by 26 objectives. The goals are:
- Goal 1: Support, enhance and accelerate the delivery of high‑quality local government services.
- Goal 2: Act as a catalyst enabling integrated collaboration, contributing to policy development and improving communication to deliver sustainable local government services.
- Goal 3: Deliver excellence and value by being an agile, inclusive and innovation driven organisation.
The Plan commits the Agency to taking a sustainable approach to everything it does, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Commenting, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said: “The LGMA plays an important role in supporting the local government sector and Government to deliver vital services to the public.
“Local government is at the heart of local democracy in the State and the LGMA’s role is vital to support that. They are a key delivery partner, and it is therefore appropriate that their strategy focuses on an ambitious programme of initiatives. I look forward to working with them over the lifetime of the Plan.”
Chairperson of the LGMA Board and Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, Richard Shakespeare said: “The local government sector is responsible for the delivery of more than 1,100 services. The work of local authorities across the country impacts everyone’s life in Ireland every day. Local government must continuously adapt to meet the changing needs of our communities. Forthcoming recommendations from the Local Democracy Taskforce may also change how we work.
“The need for coordinated leadership, innovation and partnership has never been greater. This plan provides a strong strategic direction for the LGMA as it continues to support the essential work of local authorities nationwide.”
Chief Executive Officer of the LGMA, Pauline Mulligan said: “The LGMA’s mission is to be a trusted partner, connecting, collaborating and innovating to empower local government to deliver positive outcomes for communities.
“Since the establishment of the LGMA in 2012, we have continuously delivered on our mandate. We see this new plan as the next stage in the LGMA’s ongoing evolution, enhancing the role and impact of local government in Ireland.
“LGMA staff and stakeholders played a key role in the development of our new Corporate Plan, and I would like to thank them for their input. We believe the Plan is ambitious, but achievable, and we look forward to delivering on our renewed mission over the next five years.”