The Government has lost a Dáil vote on a Labour Party bill to re-establish town councils.

The vote on an amendment to the Local Government (Restoration of Town Councils) Bill was defeated by 71 votes to 44.

During the debate on the Bill, Labour leader Brendan Howlin acknowledged that his party was in government when 80 town councils were abolished.

He said he personally regretted that the government, of which he was a member, made that decision.

The Bill seeks to provide a mechanism for the restoration of town councils in urban areas with a population of at least 5,000 residents, and 1,000 or more dwellings with a clearly defined urban centre.

It suggests that each council elect a minimum of nine councillors.