Boundary extension decision unlikely to be made in near future

ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley has declined to give a definite timeframe about the Government’s decision on the controversial boundary extension of Limerick City into South-East Clare.

Speaking in Limerick on Friday, Minister Gormley confirmed that a Government decision on the Limerick Local Government Committee Report, recommending that 3,000 people living in Westbury, Shannon Banks and parts of Clonlara be transferred to Limerick City, would not be made for a few weeks.
He confirmed the report has yet to go to Cabinet and indicated that a decision is unlikely to be made in the near future considering the December 7 Budget and the four-year economic blueprint are the key priorities at present.
Asked about the level of opposition against the amalgamation of Limerick City and County Council to form a new local authority, he stressed the only aim of Government is to encourage the development of Limerick as a strong city as part of a strong region.
“The Brosnan Report has generated a lot of public debate. We will listen to this debate and it is important to note no Cabinet decision has been made in relation to this report.
“This report hasn’t gone to Cabinet and I can’t see this happening for a few weeks. I want to do my best for Limerick City. I am not surprised with the level of opposition as managing change is always difficult,” he said.
In a recent letter to Minister Gormley, Clare Against the Boundary Extension (CABE) argued that if proposals as outlined by the committee proceed, then locations in South-East Clare could be neglected as they would no longer come under the jurisdiction of Clare County Council.
Group chairman, Jim Gully also stressed that the suggested €20m in savings arising from the merging of Limerick City and County local authorities could easily be achieved without including certain parts of South-East Clare.
“We wholeheartedly supported the principle of bolstering administration with the aim of securing a viable future for the city of Limerick as the cornerstone of the Mid-West Region, and indeed welcome many of the recommendations of the committee,” he said.
He urged the minister to approve the group’s request for a meeting as quickly as possible. A spokesman for the minister confirmed the letter from CABE had been received and added its contents are being considered.