SUPPORT FOR the biggest ever shake-up in local government in Limerick seemed widespread yesterday, despite early reservations about the radical proposals.
The plans are in line with the main recommendation of a report compiled by the Limerick Local Government Committee, chaired by Denis Brosnan, which recommended a single governing authority for the region.
A joint authority was the preferred option of Limerick County Council while Limerick City Council had argued against a merger and instead sought an extension to the city boundary, which would include parts of Co Limerick and large suburbs in Co Clare.
Clare County Council, however, was reluctant to allow Limerick govern any part of the county.
Among the recommendations of the Brosnan report was the transfer to Limerick of about five sq km of land in Clare, and also some non-residential land being developed by the University of Limerick.
However, there will be no transfer of any parts of Clare into the new single authority according to yesterday’s announcement, which Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan said would create potential savings of more than €15 million.
Welcoming the Minister’s announcement last night, Denis Brosnan said it now means the show can move on.
The newly elected Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Jim Long, also welcomed Mr Hogan’s decision but insisted Limerick city will still be the driving force of the new single authority.
“While Limerick City Council has for years been in favour of a boundary extension, I am confident that the city will be the focal point and the driving force of this new local authority. This will allow for much improved planning and development,” said the mayor.
The cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Cllr Richard Butler, also welcomed yesterday’s announcement and said the most important issue at the centre of the debate had been the betterment of the people of Limerick – city and county.
“Limerick County Council never viewed this matter as ‘city versus county’ as both are interdependent from an economic, social, cultural and sporting perspective. The county council pledges to work with all local, regional and national interests to achieve the ultimate goal of delivering a better Limerick for all its citizens”, Mr Butler said.
He said that the implementation committee “should be established as quickly as possible”.