‘We want the status quo to remain’

PUBLIC representatives in Clare have reiterated their opposition to the proposed boundary extension into South-East Clare, amid growing concern about speculation that this is one of the recommendations contained in a new report presented to Environment Minister John Gormley last week.

While media speculation has predicted that both Shannon Banks and Westbury are recommended for inclusion in Limerick City, it is understood that only one of the areas may face the chop from South-East Clare.
It is believed that the report also recommends a single governing authority for Limerick city and county.
An overview of the governance of Limerick was one of the key recommendations of the Mid-West Regional Taskforce chaired by Denis Brosnan, who also headed up the Limerick Local Government Committee.
Speaking at a Killaloe Electoral Area meeting on Wednesday, Mayor of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin pointed out the council had received no formal communication from the Local Government Committee, yet they are concerned about the speculation in media reports.
“We want the status quo to remain. Clare County Council presented a coherent submission and we have a justifiable case. We need to use every avenue at our disposal and have to engage with each other to ensure the wishes of Clare people are met,” he said.
Councillor Michael Kelly described the media reports as a direct challenge to the local authority and said he hopes the reports are not true.
Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald expressed concern that Shannon Banks and Westbury could be asked to go into Limerick City. Other councillors also reiterated their opposition to any change in the boundary.
It was proposed that Defence Minister Tony Killeen and Deputy Timmy Dooley would voice their opposition to ensure that any part of South-East Clare is not transferred to Limerick City.