Local authorities manage local elections where successful candidates are elected to the council to represent their community as councillors for five years.
Owners of private residential properties, which were not the owner's main residence during the years 2009 to 2013, must pay a charge on the property to the Non Principal Private Residence Bureau through the local authority.
Local authorities respond to requests from councillors and Oireachtas members on behalf of members of the public about local authority services they want to access or which may affect them.