Thursday, 15th January 2015
The review of the Cork City boundary and other local government arrangements is an opportunity to provide a platform for further economic development.
This review is an opportunity to ensure that local government structures are changed so that they best serve the people of Cork and the businesses that generate employment in the region. The city boundary has remained unchanged for over 50 years and in that time the city has expanded beyond the restrictive boundary. Everyday life and business activities have moved beyond an outdated boundary and this is a welcome opportunity for much needed and long awaited review.
In 2012 the Government set out its local government reform package, ‘Putting People First’. This review is the next step in those reform proposals. We now have an opportunity to put in place structures that recognise modern commuting patterns and changes to urban and suburban centres that have taken place across the city and county.
Cork city and county are key centres for economic development and employment creation; now we have an opportunity to put in place structures that will ensure this continues for decades to come. The outcome of this review must deliver reformed structures that will ensure an effective counter-weight to Dublin which will benefit the entire region. If we can deliver a city of European scale with critical mass we will best serve the future needs of the people of Cork and provide a platform for further economic development.
For further details on the review group see here: http://www.environ.ie/en/LocalGovernment/LocalGovernmentReform/News/MainBody,40018,en.htm