Boundary extension opposition voiced

AN Taoiseach Brian Cowen was left in no doubt about the opposition of people in South-East Clare to Limerick City Council’s proposed boundary extension following a meeting on Tuesday.

The Fianna Fáil leader met a deputation of Clare county councillors and other public representatives in James Collins’ Bar in Dooradoyle, Limerick following the official opening ceremony of the new River Shannon tunnel.
During the 15-minute meeting, councillors outlined the concerns of Clare people regarding proposals to include a substantial land area in South-East Clare within an enlarged Limerick administrative area.
The Taoiseach informed all present that the Limerick Local Government Committee report prepared by the chairman Denis Brosnan would be brought before cabinet in the autumn.
Deputy Timmy Dooley stressed at the meeting that a lot more dialogue is needed before any decision is taken and felt his party leader took this proposal on board.
The Taoiseach reiterated neither the Government nor the Cabinet have seen or discussed the report yet and noted it was requested by certain parties in the Mid-West.
“As you know, there are some analyses being done on this and it has to be looked at calmly and rationally to see what emerges. I think it is important that whatever issues arise, the objective of any review is to improve the lot of everybody.
“I don’t want to anticipate any decision, none has been made by Government. We are very much in the consultation phase with people, including local representatives, and people have to step back, look at everything objectively and calmly and see what’s in the best interests of everybody,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by Minister Tony Killeen; Mayor of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin; Deputy Mayor of Clare, Councillor Michael Kelly; Councillor Joe Cooney, Councillor Michael Begley, Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald, Councillor P J Ryan, Councillor Cathal Crowe, Councillor John Crowe and Councillor James Breen.
Deputy Dooley said that he has no difficulty with increased co-operation between the three local authorities in the Mid-West, Clare County Council, Limerick County Council and Limerick City Council, to promote economic development in the region.
However, Deputy Dooley stressed there is no need to include any part of South-East Clare in any boundary extension to achieve this aim.
Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald stressed more consultation is needed between Environment Minister John Gormley and Clare county councillors and other relevant bodies in the county before any of the controversial recommendations are accepted.
Mayor of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin pledged the council would co-operate with any new structure that was established and already benefited from receiving fire and water services from Limerick City Council for people living in South-East Clare.
However, he pointed out a recent national Local Government Efficiency Review acknowledged that Clare has an identity in its own right and stressed he would actively support the retention of the status quo with the backing of East Clare councillors.
Councillor Cathal Crowe pointed out councillors are more than willing to engage in co-operative initiatives with neighbouring local authorities, without shifting any line on a map.
Meanwhile, Parteen author and local historian, Donal O’Riain has outlined a number of historical, sporting and cultural objections to any reduction of land in South-East Clare.
Mr O’Riain called for a massive demonstration outside Dáil Eireann, including people from all parts of Clare, community groups and GAA clubs to ensure that any boundary extension is stopped in its tracks.
Mr O’Riain pointed out that at one time the Dalcassians ruled large parts of Limerick, Kerry, Clare and parts of North Tipperary and said now it seemed as if Limerick City Council wanted to adopt this strategy by taking over parts of South-East Clare.
In 1973, he recalled all of the people in Coonagh, which was part of County Limerick but is in the parish of Meelick for ecclesiastical purposes, voted against a boundary extension, while only nine residents in Shannon Banks were in favour out of a total of about 450 people, who were surveyed in the South-East Clare area.
“Once Limerick City Council come over Athlunkard Bridge, it will be the thin edge of the wedge and there could be further extensions in years to come.
“A boundary extension would destroy the peace and tranquillity of a rural community like Parteen and Ardnacrusha with the provision of big housing estates,” he claimed.
About 30 people from Gillogue, Parteen, Ardnacrusha and Meelick converged at Athlunkard Bridge, one of the crossing points linking the boundary between Limerick City and South-East Clare, for a photocall last Thursday evening to highlight their desire to remain in County Clare.