Privatizing local authority service in Ireland: Lessons from experience

Presents the first survey evidence of privatization of local authority services in the Republic of Ireland. The survey focuses on the case of refuse collection. Describes findings in the context of economic theories underpinning such policies which have relevance to countries adopting pragmatic and gradual approaches to public‐service reform. Unlike the pioneers of privatization such as the UK, this form of privatization has evolved in Ireland without any governmental edicts or policy guidelines. The consequence of such a development is the evolution of an array of privatization arrangements which have been generalized into three basic models. While it is too soon to assess the results of the transformation in terms of cost savings and effects on service quality, the survey primarily highlights the deficiencies in procedures adhered to. This is attributed to the absence of a general privatization policy. Despite the inadequacy of procedures already initiated, argues that, because reform is at a preliminary stage, new developments in public‐service management can contribute positively to a much needed public‐service reform policy.