Lobby group claims local development in question

PARTS of the locality would be deprived of future development if Environment Minister John Gormley sanctions the boundary extension of Limerick City into the Banner County, a lobby group has claimed.
The Limerick Local Government Committee, chaired by businessman, Denis Brosnan, recommended that 3,000 people living in Westbury, Shannon Banks and parts of the outskirts of Clonlara be transferred to Limerick City.
However, in a recent letter issued to Minister Gormley, the Clare Against the Boundary Extension (CABE) argued that if proposals as outlined by the committee proceed, then these areas would be neglected, as they would no longer come under the jurisdiction of Clare County Council.
Group chairman Jim Gully also stressed the suggested €20 million in savings arising out of the merging of Limerick city and county local authorities could easily be achieved without including certain parts of South-East Clare.
Mr Gully reiterated in the group’s submission to the committee that there is no need for any encroachment on County Clare in order to resolve issues with the governance and management of Limerick city and county.
“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.
“However, on behalf of the residents in the area nominated by the committee for inclusion in a revised Limerick administrative area, we must declare our total and unequivocal opposition to any proposal to change the historic Clare boundary.
“There are many other aspects to this proposal which we feel should be taken into account before any decision is taken by Government and we therefore urgently request a meeting with you so that we can outline our position and ensure that an informed position is taken by you and your colleagues,” he said.
The group welcomed the statement by Deputy Timmy Dooley that he has secured the support of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party in opposing any inclusion of parts of County Clare in revisions to the Limerick administrative boundary.
It is also encouraged by a recent statement by Councillor Maria Byrne, Mayor of Limerick City, that the city council has no wish to see areas such as Westbury and Shannon Banks included in revised city limits.
Commenting on these developments, Mr Gully stated, “The support at public representatives for our position is very positive and welcome and vindicates the arguments we have been making in relation to the report issued by the Limerick Local Government Committee.
“The committee produced no objective facts or figures to justify their inclusion of East Clare in the proposed revised Limerick administrative area; not only that, they failed to pay due regard to existing county boundaries, as they were asked to do, and most importantly, they failed to consult with the relevant stakeholders,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mayor of Limerick, Councillor Maria Byrne has agreed to hold a meeting between a group of Limerick City councillors and six East Clare councillors. In addition to the Mayor of Limerick, this meeting will also be attended by representatives of the main political groupings in Limerick City.
East Clare Councillor Pat Burke had called on Councillor Byrne to clarify whether Limerick City Council has changed its position concerning the inclusion of Shannon Banks and Westbury in the proposed controversial boundary extension and had asked Killaloe Electoral Area chairman Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald to arrange a meeting with Councillor Byrne, which she agreed to.