The number of local councillors is being almost halved, under new legislation published by the Environment Minister this morning.
Phil Hogan said it was the most radical reform of local government in over a century.
Most councillors will go with the abolition of 80 town councils - which are being replaced with municipal districts.
Local politicians have criticised the move - saying communities will lose financial autonomy.
But Minister Hogan said the ability of the new authorities to vary the property tax by 15 percent is giving them more power, not less;
