Labour

councillors will work to ensure that the naming of any new bridges, roads or monuments are shared between male and female historical figures in an effort to promote gender balance, the party’s local election manifesto says.

The manifesto, which is being launched today, also says successful Labour local election candidates will protect the post office network and promote a “significant extension” of local authority housing schemes.

Its other initiatives include a commitment that councils will not use zero-hour contracts with their employees; new initiatives to promote night-time safety and business in towns and villages and “innovative approaches to tackling the issue of dog fouling”, particularly for repeat offenders.

“Labour will investigate innovative approaches to tackling the issue of dog fouling, in particular in relation to persistent offenders and in order to eradicate this problem from our streets. We will also consult the public on possible methods to solve this problem while looking at best practice from other countries.”

The manifesto also says: “Labour will support the role of women in our history by promoting a gender balance in the naming of any new roads, monuments or bridges.”

Last year, Labour councillors on Dublin City Council voted to name the new Luas bridge across the river Liffey after workers' rights activist Rosie Hackett.

The manifesto also says Labour will seek “a significant extension of the local authority build programme, as a matter of urgency”.

While Labour councillors in Fingal rejected the proposal for a directly elected Dublin mayor, the manifesto supports legislation for the establishment of the office.