Local Matters: Parish, Local Government and Community in Ireland

'Local Matters' explores two spheres of significance for communities - parishes and local government. Both have been major contributors to building social fabric in the past. But has there been a decline in social capital as a result of the waning of parishes and the reduced scope of local government? And now that there is a clear separation between Church and State in Ireland, is there scope for mature and fruitful cooperation between parishes and local government to the benefit of local communities?