Spotlight back on boundary extension

THE long-running saga concerning the boundary extension into South-East Clare is back in the political spotlight this week after new Environment Minister, Phil Hogan, started a consultative process on the Brosnan Report.
Clare Against the Boundary Extension (CABE) and other community groups have vigorously opposed plans to transfer over 3,000 people from Shannon Banks, Westbury and parts of Clonlara in to a new expanded Limerick City.
This was one of the recommendations of the Limerick Local Government Report, chaired by businessman Denis Brosnan. The report also proposed that Limerick City and County Councils be amalgamated to form one local authority with an estimated saving of €20 million.
Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Development, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan, said she expected that Minister Hogan would make a decision in the near future.
Speaking to The Clare Champion, Minister O’Sullivan pointed out Minister Hogan is well aware of the sense of identity and county attachment of people living in South-East Clare as a Kilkenny man who had seen attempts by Waterford City Council to extend its area.
She confirmed she is opposed to any extension proposal and instead favours a simple boundary extension of the city into its natural hinterland in the suburbs such as Raheen and Dooradoyle.
Asked about the merits of having a single local authority for Limerick, she expressed concern about the lack of a proper focus for the city and whether it would be possible to have effective governance for a city and very diverse rural area stretching to North Kerry.
“Limerick should not be viewed as a guinea pig when it comes to a boundary extension. I would favour a limited extension now and if the minister wants to examine this issue as part of an overall review of local government that can be done at a later stage.
“A boundary extension into South-East Clare would cause tension in the locality. A number of people in the Westbury area have made representations to me opposing any move into Limerick City. Some people who are living in this area don’t mind but those who are opposed feel very strongly about this issue.
“I think there should be proper consultation with people living in Westbury and Shannon Banks in the form of a plebiscite, but I don’t think there is anyone planned,” she said.
Minister Hogan has met with Denis Brosnan and the Mayor of Limerick, Maria Byrne to discuss the contentious boundary issue.
Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald tabled a motion at a council meeting on Monday calling on the director of services to make contact with the Department of the Environment concerning its plans for any proposed changes to the Clare boundary.
He proposed a delegation from the council should seek a meeting with the minister to outline its opposition to any changes. He claimed that Limerick County Council wants to see the Brosnan Report implemented while Limerick City Council isn’t giving up on its plans to extend into Clare.
He was supported by Councillor Patricia McCarthy, who stressed it is vital that Clare County Council secure a meeting with the minister considering the boundary is back on the political agenda again.
Councillor Michael Begley said while Limerick City and County Council are at loggerheads, they should be told to sort out their own problems themselves and leave Clare out of it.
Councillor Gerry Flynn recalled that Fine Gael and Labour representatives had promised before the General Election that the boundary extension was off the political agenda but now it is back on.
Councillor Johnny Flynn said most of the recommendations related to the proper governance of Limerick City, which could be achieved without transferring 3,000 Clare people under the jurisdiction of the city.
Mayor of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin pointed out that no one had proved it is necessary to move these people into another county. “The best legacy the minister can leave is to allow Clare remain intact,” he said.
Councillor Sonny Scanlan said he had full faith that the minister would do the right thing as a Kilkenny man who was aware of attempts to move into his own county.
Councillor James Breen said he expected the Fine Gael and Labour councillors to resign if the city boundary is extended considering they had previously called on Fianna Fáil representatives to pursue this course of action in the event of a change.
Deputy Joe Carey reiterated his opposition to the proposal and confirmed he would be outlining his stance to the minister.
Councillor Fitzgerald said he had always lobbied against any change and would be expressing his strong views to the Labour Party.
“I don’t need a former deputy to tell me what I should be doing in relation to the boundary. I have not thought about resigning from the party because the change has not taken place. I have discussed this matter with Deputy O’Sullivan and will be raising it with the Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore,” he said.