Council Structure

	Currently, there are 26 local councils throughout Northern Ireland, which are listed and linked below. Councils look after many services, such as your local sports and leisure centre and arranging your bin collections. Local councils also look after important powers and functions. You can find out more about  what services your local council offers by checking on their websites.

Local Council websites:

Follow the links below to your local council website.

• Antrim Borough Council
• Ards Borough Council
• Armagh City and District Council
• Ballymena Borough Council
• Ballymoney Borough Council
• Banbridge District Council
• Belfast City Council
• Carrickfergus Borough Council
• Castlereagh Borough Council
• Coleraine Borough Council
• Cookstown District Council
• Craigavon Borough Council
• Derry City Council
• Down District Council
• Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
• Fermanagh District Council
• Larne Borough Council
• Limavady Borough Council
• Lisburn City Council
• Magherafelt District Council
• Moyle District Council
• Newry and Mourne Council
• Newtownabbey Borough Council
• North Down Borough Council
• Omagh District Council
• Strabane District Council

The New Councils

There are, however, big changes planned for local councils. In May 2011 the current 26 councils will change to 11 councils – with more roles being taken care of by local government.

The result will be more effective and efficient services from the councils as they will take control of many new aspects. Find out more about the new council structure and the reform programme by following these links:

• The new councils
• Reform programme structure