Boundary extension would create ‘bitterness’

GOVERNMENT approval for any “land grab” by Limerick City Council into South-East Clare would create “bitterness” that could last for decades, a local lobby group has warned.
Former chairman of Clare Against the Boundary Extension, Jim Gully, said feelings are running high in communities throughout the region after another high-powered Government committee was given the task of examining the possibility of changing existing boundaries.
Mr Gully, one of the original committee members when CABE was founded in 1996, claimed about 90% of residents surveyed in Westbury, Shannon Banks, Meelick and Parteen wish to remain in Clare under the jurisdiction of Clare County Council.
Arrangements are being put in place to reactivate the committee, who will decide whether another plebiscite is necessary and whether the group will make a comprehensive submission to the new Boundary Extension Committee, chaired by Kerry Group founder, Denis Brosnan.
In a study prepared by Dr Ed Walsh and Peter Coyne in June 2008, the co-authors argued that the governance of Limerick City and its environs had been poor, with three councils involved in a geographically small area.
“This has proved inefficient and ineffective and has certainly prevented the city from developing to its real potential. It is clear that if Limerick City is to achieve its potential, a single governance structure is essential,” the report stated.
Mr Gully complained the boundary issue seems to be raised on an annual basis following the election of a new mayor to Limerick City Council.
He stressed that people who moved to Westbury and Shannon Banks had to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission and knew they were living in Clare.
“If I moved out to live in Limerick county, I wouldn’t expect another local authority to come and take over the place where I live. There are three local authorities in Dublin compared to just two in Limerick which has one-tenth of the population of the capital.
“At no stage did any of the mayors of Limerick agree to meet the committee. I remember meeting former Fine Gael leader, Alan Dukes and he couldn’t get over that one county would be allowed to take over land in a neighbouring county.
“The committee has no problem with the development of Limerick City but there is no reason why it needs to expand into Clare to achieve this,” he added.
He noted that Clare County Council has local authority offices in Westbury where people can tax their cars and conduct local authority business locally.
“I hope the new boundary committee will have the vision to leave Clare alone. This issue created a lot of bitterness when it was discussed at public meetings in the nineties and feelings are as still as strong as ever,” he said.
His opposition is shared by another original committee member, Geraldine Edwards, who said it is wrong if talented young GAA players in clubs like Parteen and Meelick who played with Clare, are forced to line out with Limerick if a boundary extension is granted.
The Gillogue resident said she cannot understand why this proposal is still being discussed and wondered whether Limerick City Council would consider moving into parts of North Tipperary, just because it is a neighbouring county.
Asked about the possibility of organising another plebiscite, Ms Edwards stressed it is vital that residents living in the affected areas continue to voice their opposition to this proposal.
“I feel the wishes of Clare people are being ignored. If the extension goes ahead, it will rob people of their identity and will create a lot of bitterness, particularly in local GAA clubs.
“We are proud Clare people out and out. We have nothing against Limerick City and support its development but the boundary must remain intact.”
She said she cannot understand why a boundary extension is being considered.
“I haven’t seen any move from Waterford City to move into neighbouring parts of Kilkenny or you don’t see Dublin City Council trying to take over Bray just because the city has grown out to meet it,” she said.
“If the extension goes ahead, a lot of geography school books and maps will be obsolete,” she added.
Under the controversial terms of reference, the five members of the new committee will examine if there should be changes made to the boundary of Limerick City, having examined the City Council’s 2005 application for a boundary extension.
They will assess if the boundary of Clare, Limerick City or county should be changed, whether Limerick City and County Council should be unified and if alternative arrangements should be made to co-ordinate functions, administration and leadership between the three existing authorities on a more regional basis.
The last boundary proposal was unanimously rejected by 32 Clare county councillors and the council also presented a case as to why Limerick City Council’s bid for extra land in Clare should be rejected.
Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald stressed people living in South-East Clare are totally opposed to the extension. “I hope that the new boundary committee will take into account Clare County Council’s opposition to this proposal and that it will also consider residents’ objections,” he said.