Representatives divided over proposed boundary plebiscite

THE majority of residents living in Shannon Banks and Westbury could vote to move to Limerick City if a proposed plebiscite on the transfer of 3,000 people into Limerick City is confined to this area, it has been claimed.

Independent Councillor Michael Begley questioned if a plebiscite on the controversial recommendations of the Limerick Local Government Report would be decisive, stating a majority could opt to move into Limerick City.
Councillor Begley stressed that any plebiscite conducted should also include people living in Clonlara, as the report recommends that the entire University of Limerick campus, including buildings on the Clare side and a number of townlands in Clonlara, should also move into Limerick City.
A majority of public representatives for constituents in the Killaloe Electoral Area are opposing calls for a plebiscite to be conducted in Westbury, Shannon Banks and parts of Clonlara.
Clare Fine Gael Deputy Pat Breen is not in favour of giving people a voice in the affected areas and he is supported by councillors Joe Cooney, Pat Hayes and Pascal Fitzgerald.
Deputy Timmy Dooley and Deputy Joe Carey supported the principle of holding a referendum but proposed that it should be conducted in the entire Killaloe Electoral Area, which stretches from Shannon Banks up to Flagmount in North-East Clare, out to Whitegate and down to Killaloe.
Councillor Pat Burke feels it is reasonable to give people in these areas an opportunity to vote on the findings of the report, which has left feelings running high, particularly in South-East Clare.
Deputy Tony Killeen declined to give a view on the issue, citing the constraints of Cabinet confidentiality.
Deputy Breen warned a plebiscite could lead to division in the local communities and stressed people throughout South-East Clare are extremely concerned about setting a precedent.
“If this boundary extension is granted, what will stop another group or the Government seeking a further extension in five or 10 years’ time,” he said.
Deputy Carey has written to Minister Gormley requesting a meeting with the four Clare Oireachtas members.
Councillor Cooney opposed any vote, as he felt there is no need to alter the county boundary, while Councillor Hayes warned it could be very divisive in the community and politically motivated.
“I have received a lot of correspondence from people living outside the area who feel Clare has a right to hold onto its territory,” he said.
Councillor Burke revealed he had received representations from people living in the affected areas who want to remain in Clare and stressed it is up to Minister Tony Killeen to come out and publicly clarify his position on the issue.
Asked about his views on a plebiscite on affected residents in South-East Clare, Environment Minister John Gormley kicked to touch on the issue.
In a statement to The Clare Champion, a spokesman for Minister Gormley confirmed the minister would be discussing the detail of the recommendations with his Cabinet colleagues.
“No Government decisions have been made at this juncture. It is important that an appropriate degree of space be allowed for consideration of the Limerick Local Government Committee’s report, both at local and central level, notwithstanding the need for rapid action.
“In any event, the decisions implemented by Government will be entirely in accord with the democratic process. For any county or city boundary change to be given effect, whether in Clare or elsewhere in Ireland, Oireachtas assent would be required,” he stated.