THE strength of county identity for 3,000 people living in South-East Clare should not override the need for more effective governance structures for Limerick City, according to a Government deputy.

Speaking on behalf of Environment Minister John Gormley during a Dáil Adjournment Debate last week, Deputy Billy Kelleher said  the minister noted that the Limerick Local Government Committee took the position that the attachment Clare people had to their county should not override the need for a more coherent approach to be taken to governing Limerick City.
Deputy Kelleher confirmed that  the minister would bring proposals to Government for discussion with a view to early implementation of any decisions made.
“The committee considered that there is a compelling case for the proposed change with regard to the hinterland of Limerick City in southern Clare. The committee pointed out that this change will not affect divisions used for purposes other than local government, for example, by sporting associations.
“There is a very proud sporting tradition in Clare and we in Cork fully appreciate that. All stakeholders should examine the report carefully and consider the recommendations it contains with a view to determining the benefits for the Mid-West region as a whole. A strong city is a crucial component of a strong region,” he noted.
“It is significant that the business community in Limerick has called for the implementation of the report’s recommendations as soon as possible,” he added.
He pointed out that Denis Brosnan, who chaired the committee and the Mid-West Task Force and his personal achievements in the business world, lends additional weight to the independent perspective of the committee.
The proposals were opposed by Clare deputies Pat Breen and Timmy Dooley.
Deputy Pat Breen claimed extending the remit of a new Limerick authority into sections of County Clare is “misplaced and misguided”.
“This report is a Limerick solution to a Limerick problem. It is not a regional solution to a regional problem, which is what is required in this case. If we are to break the cycle of unemployment and fuel an economic recovery in our region, all of our energies must be focused on working together.
“Clare people have a deep sense of identifying and belonging to their county and that is no more evident than in the parishes of Meelick, Parteen, Ardnacrusha and Clonlara.
“If the minister starts to tamper with the Clare boundary, where will it stop? Will Limerick demand to extend as far as Shannon Airport in a few years’ time?” he asked.
Deputy Timmy Dooley described the boundary extension as “unnecessary, inappropriate and seeks to resolve a problem that does not exist”. 
He rejected the proposal and appealed to the Fine Gael and Labour members of Limerick City Council to withdraw their stated desire to extend the boundary.
“In essence, these people would be robbed of their identity to resolve a bureaucratic impasse that has arisen in the minds of some. The governance of an area, region, county or parish should exist to serve the people and not to serve the bureaucracy,” he said.
“I reject the assertion that those people who live in that area have not got a real connection with County Clare and can, at the stroke of a pen, find themselves reclassified as Limerick people. The bedrock of our society is based on parish and county boundaries and one’s identity is intrinsically linked to this structure.”
He added that he did not believe the move would improve the prospects of attracting foreign investment to the region and, consequently, improve the job creation.
“The report has not outlined in any material way how one job will be created or the life of one resident improved by this hostile act,” he added.

Mayor rallies Clare people against boundary extension

MAYOR of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin has issued a rallying call for people to support a public demonstration opposing the proposed boundary extension of Limerick City into South-East Clare.
The Limerick Local Government Committee has recommended that 3,000 people living in Westbury, Shannon Banks, Carrig Meade and parts of Clonlara should in future be included in a newly expanded Limerick City.
Members of the Clare Against the Boundary Extension (CABE) will hold an afternoon protest on Sunday in the Westbury and Shannon Banks area opposing some of the recommendations contained in the recently published report.
The demonstration starts at 3pm from Westbury and residents will march to the Clare/Limerick boundary at Athlunkard Bridge before returning to Westbury.
Councillor Curtin said no proper justification had been put forward to annex part of Clare. He noted that while it is unfortunate this demonstration would clash with the Clare senior football final between Doonbeg and Liscannor, it is important that there is a large attendance at this march.
“This could be the start of a broader campaign opposing the proposed boundary extension into parts of South-East Clare. Residents have been singular in their opposition to any change to the boundary over the last 20 years and their position has to be respected.
“The case for a retention of the status quo is cast iron and no justifiable reasons have been put forward for a change in the boundary,” he said.
Group chairman, Jim Gully confirmed last week that  the committee is stepping up its opposition following a recent statement from Limerick Local Government Committee chairman, Denis Brosnan, that the governance issue concerning Limerick City is now regarded as the top priority of the Mid-West Task Force.
Mr Gully appealed to Clare people to come out in force to support their opposition to any change in the Clare boundary.
Members of CABE conducted a door-to-door campaign handing out an information leaflet about the march in Westbury, Shannon Banks and Carrig Meade earlier this week.
Having received widespread backing from politicians in Clare and Limerick opposing the boundary change, the committee has decided that no political representatives will speak at the rally after the march.
Instead, committee members will present a case as to why the Government should not adopt the recommendations from the report concerning people living in South-East Clare.