Better use of technology, energy reduction, and boosting economic growth are the key ways that local government in Europe is transforming local government in response to austerity measures a result of national financial constraints, according to the participants at the recent CLGF European Members meeting in Dublin, Ireland, chaired by Cyprus Board member Mayor Lazoros Savvides.
The meeting, hosted by Dublin City Council in the historic Mansion House, brought CLGF members from Europe to the capital of Ireland to meet with their counterparts from the Emerald Isle, which is itself in the midst of a major reform of local government.
Irish Tanoiste Edmon Gilmore and Mayor of Dublin Cllr Oisin Quinn welcomed delegates to Dublin.  Presentations were made by the Mayor of Belfast Mairtin O Muilleoir and Alderman Arnold Hatch, President of NILGA, from Northern Ireland as well as contributions from Cyprus, England, Gibraltar, Malta, Scotland and Wales.
The meeting marks a significant step in relations between local government in Commonwealth Europe and Ireland.