Limerick Boundary Extension

Mc Love

http://www.limerickpost.ie/index.php/navigation-mainmenu-30/local-news/3197-councillor-nminister-must-opt-for-boundary-extension.html

“The city is strangled and our commercial rate base is too small."
WITH an announcement on the Limerick city boundary issue due from the Minister for the Environment any day now, Limerick northside councillor, Maurice Quinlivan is urging the minister to reject the recommendation of the Brosnan Report and disregard its proposal of a merger of Limerick City and County Councils.

‘The best way forward, in line with the submissions to the boundary committee, made by Limerick City Council and others, is to grant the city an extension of its boundary, which means extending the area presently under the jurisdiction of the city council, while leaving that council in existence and expanding its membershIp, commensurate with its increased geographical area of responsibility,” he states.
Commenting further on the issue he says that Limerick city is in crisis, with thousands of people unemployed and city centre businesses struggling.
“The city is strangled and our commercial rate base is too small.
“We are in a dangerous situation of seeking more rates from an increasingly smaller rate base - it is crystal clear that the city urgently needs a boundary extension and while the last government failed Limerick city, I have concerns now that the new minister will make the wrong decision.”
Insisting that any meaningful local government reform must centre on increasing local democracy by bringing local authorities closer to the people, Cllr Quinlivan adds:
“What is crystal clear to everyone is that our city has unique problems and it’s essential that the city council be maintained in order for us to tackle these problems - a speedy decision on the boundary issue is vital and that must be to extend the boundary - by doing so the Minister would be doing a huge service for the people of Limerick

If anything the City Council should have no say seeing as they royally fecked up the city with all the traffic lights etc

kilburn

here we go again.

molard

a report in limerick leader seems to think that there will be no extension into clare.

niallers1

The only thing that seems to be getting an extension is this old story..

molard

it may be a old story to you.but this area,westbury has been in limbo for over 14yr.clare coco had washed it hands and had not taking in charge one development .not one play area provided.after collecting hundereds of thousand of euros in development levies.

kilburn

Not too concerned about the parts of Clare to be honest, we don not need them in the city. But very worried about this amalgamated authority. The city and county councillors will fight with each other for years to exert power all the while limerick will fall further into decline.

Kess73

kilburn wrote: »

Not too concerned about the parts of Clare to be honest, we don not need them in the city. But very worried about this amalgamated authority. The city and county councillors will fight with each other for years to exert power all the while limerick will fall further into decline.

Yep self interest will come before the interests of the actual city and county imho. I would be very worried about Limerick's ability to maintain current business (and in the city in particular this is already done to a poor standard imho) as well as the ability to attract new business if the amalgamation goes ahead.

I could see parish pump politics becoming worse than it currently is.

munstergirl

Headlines of tonights limerick leader 'revolution on the way'.

Limerick city + county council only care about themselves + their jobs, and who's going to be mayor next.

zuroph

pshh, they already fight each other tooth and nail, at least this way, they're all accountable, when either side suffers. amalgamation is the only way forward for now, then get rid of the parties and have some actual work done by our council.

Skintwin

One major thing I have to ask is; if the boundary does extend into Clare (just past the Country Club pub in specific), are residents of these areas likely to get some form of city bus service?
I've been living in Clare/Limerick limbo for the past 6 years (a mile and a half from the City boundary, technically in Clare, yet Limerick is my base for EVERYTHING. I go to UL, went to school in town, shop there, work there etc.) and the lack of a bus service is driving me insane. If I have work at 2, I normally have to go in with my parents at 9 anyway because of the lack of bus service.
I'd be all for the extension if we got a bus service, but other than that, I couldn't really give a rats ass about the Limerick boundary. (Pardon the pun on that one...)

Amazotheamazing

Skintwin wrote: »

One major thing I have to ask is; if the boundary does extend into Clare (just past the Country Club pub in specific), are residents of these areas likely to get some form of city bus service?
I've been living in Clare/Limerick limbo for the past 6 years (a mile and a half from the City boundary, technically in Clare, yet Limerick is my base for EVERYTHING. I go to UL, went to school in town, shop there, work there etc.) and the lack of a bus service is driving me insane. If I have work at 2, I normally have to go in with my parents at 9 anyway because of the lack of bus service.
I'd be all for the extension if we got a bus service, but other than that, I couldn't really give a rats ass about the Limerick boundary. (Pardon the pun on that one...)

Surely the parts of Corbally in Clare have city bus services? Why not ask your local councillor about it?

Skintwin

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Surely the parts of Corbally in Clare have city bus services? Why not ask your local councillor about it?

We don't have anybody 'local' the closest we'd have is anyone based in Shannon

Amazotheamazing

Skintwin wrote: »

We don't have anybody 'local' the closest we'd have is anyone based in Shannon

Joke of a system but hey, GAA boundaries are more important than services and proper running of the midwest.

highlydebased

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Surely the parts of Corbally in Clare have city bus services? Why not ask your local councillor about it?

Corbally has a bus service, Meelick, Cratloe etc does not.

Skintwin

highlydebased wrote: »

Corbally has a bus service, Meelick, Cratloe etc does not.

unless of course you fancy walking a mile and a half to the dual carriageway to get the Shannon commuter bus. which goes once an hour.

dave 27

As fas am im aware there is a bus that goes out to shannon banks anyway. so has anyone heard any more about the boundary extension? id love to turn on rte news and hear that it has been approved and now is the third largest city in the country again

Kess73

dave 27 wrote: »

As fas am im aware there is a bus that goes out to shannon banks anyway. so has anyone heard any more about the boundary extension? id love to turn on rte news and hear that it has been approved and now is the third largest city in the country again

Would much prefer to still be the fourth biggest city but have an announcement of loads of new jobs and investment.

I could just see the boundary being extended and the council trying to use the third biggest city thing as being some kind of sign of how great Limerick is doing, rather than looking at things like jobs/services/infrastructure etc.

limklad

munstergirl wrote: »

Headlines of tonights limerick leader 'revolution on the way'.

Limerick city + county council only care about themselves + their jobs, and who's going to be mayor next.

kilburn wrote: »

Not too concerned about the parts of Clare to be honest, we don not need them in the city. But very worried about this amalgamated authority. The city and county councillors will fight with each other for years to exert power all the while limerick will fall further into decline.

Skintwin wrote: »

One major thing I have to ask is; if the boundary does extend into Clare (just past the Country Club pub in specific), are residents of these areas likely to get some form of city bus service?
I've been living in Clare/Limerick limbo for the past 6 years (a mile and a half from the City boundary, technically in Clare, yet Limerick is my base for EVERYTHING. I go to UL, went to school in town, shop there, work there etc.) and the lack of a bus service is driving me insane. If I have work at 2, I normally have to go in with my parents at 9 anyway because of the lack of bus service.
I'd be all for the extension if we got a bus service, but other than that, I couldn't really give a rats ass about the Limerick boundary. (Pardon the pun on that one...)

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Surely the parts of Corbally in Clare have city bus services? Why not ask your local councillor about it?

Skintwin wrote: »

We don't have anybody 'local' the closest we'd have is anyone based in Shannon

highlydebased wrote: »

Corbally has a bus service, Meelick, Cratloe etc does not.

Corbally is Part of Limerick City, NOT CLARE. It has never been in Clare.

Limerick City Council do not run the Bus Service. Bus Eireann Do.
http://www.buseireann.ie/news.php?id=631&month=jun

Get Your Local Councillor and TD's ( For Government Dept of Environment Money) to lobby Bus Eireann to extend a bus Service to Meelick and Cratloe.

Castletroy/Raheen/Dooradoyle have a bus service and they are outside the City Jurisdiction because of Limerick County Council and Local TD's. There is no reason for Clare TD's and Councillors not to do the same or else the locals can Threaten them that they want to Join Limerick City in revolt since they do nothing for the locals.

Grizzly 45

Get Your Local Councillor and TD's ( For Government Dept of Environment Money) to lobby Bus Eireann to extend a bus Service to Meelick and Cratloe.

You can include Parteen in that as well.We have been kicking our local TD asses on this for the last fourty years!!CIE /Bus Eire will not put on any bus route on this area.. period!! There is the school bus and thats it,more or less.
Clare COco considers this frontier area,and just wish it would go away and be absorbed into Limerick.The attitude is;everyone goes in the area to Limerick city rather than Ennis,so they might as well be part of it.

Kess73

limklad wrote: »

Corbally is Part of Limerick City, NOT CLARE. It has never been in Clare.Limerick City Council do not run the Bus Service. Bus Eireann Do.
http://www.buseireann.ie/news.php?id=631&month=jun

Get Your Local Councillor and TD's ( For Government Dept of Environment Money) to lobby Bus Eireann to extend a bus Service to Meelick and Cratloe.

Castletroy/Raheen/Dooradoyle have a bus service and they are outside the City Jurisdiction because of Limerick County Council and Local TD's. There is no reason for Clare TD's and Councillors not to do the same or else the locals can Threaten them that they want to Join Limerick City in revolt since they do nothing for the locals.

Is Westbury considered part of Corbally officially? If so then that part of Corbally is in Clare as the Limerick/Clare border line is just after the bridge on the Shannonbanks side.

limklad

munstergirl wrote: »

Headlines of tonights limerick leader 'revolution on the way'.

Limerick city + county council only care about themselves + their jobs, and who's going to be mayor next.

kilburn wrote: »

Not too concerned about the parts of Clare to be honest, we don not need them in the city. But very worried about this amalgamated authority. The city and county councillors will fight with each other for years to exert power all the while limerick will fall further into decline.

Using Politicians will be fighting with each other is a poor excuse for a arguement. They always fight and disagree with each other and always negotiate for what they want. There is Enough Newspapers Articles to prove that. So is the Argument about the County council having no experience in running an urban areas. There is no Town councils in the County of Limerick one of three counties in Ireland that do not have Town Councils. All Towns Councils within the County was amalgamated into Limerick county council since the Foundation of the Free State.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_commissioners
Rathkeale Town Commission was dissolved in 1925.
Newcastle West Town Commission was Dissolved in 1941.

By Nature Politicians will Always fight for the next Elections and Always adapt to the situation and change of Boundaries otherwise they will not get re-elected. Changing of Electorate Areas is always have been happening since the foundation of the State and well before that under British Rule and before that under Norman Rule and before that under Local Irish Kings Rule, etc, etc. Politics Always adapt to new situations.

The City needs to Evolve otherwise it will die a slow death and the County needs a Strong City and the City is unable to fund itself properly in which the county have always mange it finances better than the city.
Limerick City will always be there officially and the Amalgamation will not change the City Charter or status. The City will get it extension under this deal.

Under this deal Only the Joint Council will preside over both Jurisdictions with significantly reduce the number of councillor numbers which itself will save us of vast expenses and wages. That is the real reason that the Councillors are in fear of, especially those who barely got vote in. It will also remove duplication of Managerial staff and services and plan better for the future while keeping the Front line and supporting staff. A Bigger Council will have better Negotiation position and buying power for cheaper services from the Private industries and business.

limklad

Kess73 wrote: »

Is Westbury considered part of Corbally officially? If so then that part of Corbally is in Clare as the Limerick/Clare border line is just after the bridge on the Shannonbanks side.

This is off topic but Westbury is not part of Corbally unless you talk to the Post office or estate Agents. I do not know who decide they were in the same area. The Post office has combine areas under one local post office for ease of delivering letters. When I was Growing up. In my old home Half of my Parish is under the Newcastle west Postal area Routes. If we put the Local Parish name Post office name on the address then it will take an extra day. It get to the Local Post office which does not serve my townland and sent back to Newcastle west post office to be delivered. Put Newcastle west on it and it will be delivery promptly.
But Estate Agents are far more guilty of Declaring one house is part of another Better off Area to increase asking price or interest.
Both Westbury and Corbally are in Both are separate areas. People keep mixing up areas when they know they are in the same direction. I know several City People who thinks Crescent Shopping centre part of Raheen. And People keep mixing up Monleen/Newcastle/Castletroy boundaries.

Garda/fire/Bus/Religious services also have they own Areas and boundaries jurisdictions. For the Gardai the Bruff Area to them is a very wide area encompass Killmallock and beyond. Bruff council Voting area also do not match. The City and County Councils change areas boundaries within their jurisdictions when it required.

Depending who you talk to it all very confusing what boundaries you talk about.

bazz26

Kess73 wrote: »

Is Westbury considered part of Corbally officially? If so then that part of Corbally is in Clare as the Limerick/Clare border line is just after the bridge on the Shannonbanks side.

My understanding was that Corbally ends at the Limerick side of bridge. Shannon Banks, Westbury, etc at the other side of the bridge is Clare? Maybe we can put up a border patrol on the bridge just to be sure.

iguana

limklad wrote: »

This is off topic but Westbury is not part of Corbally unless you talk to the Post office or estate Agents. I do not know who decide they were in the same area. The Post office has combine areas under one local post office for ease of delivering letters.

The post office addresses are the official legal addresses. Lots of areas/townlands cross county boundaries in the same way that Corbally is in both Limerick and Clare. For example, Celbridge is a Kildare town but part of it's townland extends into Dublin 22 at Hazelhatch.

kilburn

City and county councillors will never get on LimkLad a dog with a mallet up his arse could see that. they constantly jeer each other so can imagine what it would be like them all in the one chamber.

Kess73

iguana wrote: »

The post office addresses are the official legal addresses. Lots of areas/townlands cross county boundaries in the same way that Corbally is in both Limerick and Clare. For example, Celbridge is a Kildare town but part of it's townland extends into Dublin 22 at Hazelhatch.

So part of Corbally is officially in Clare then, rather than it being me wrongly assuming that Westbury was listed as part of Corbally ?

Kess73

bazz26 wrote: »

My understanding was that Corbally ends at the Limerick side of bridge. Shannon Banks, Westbury, etc at the other side of the bridge is Clare? Maybe we can put up a border patrol on the bridge just to be sure.

Just blow up the bridge



and the one in Parteen, and Clonlara, and O' Briensbridge...............:)

manna452121

If you are posting a letter to Westbury and put Co.Clare in the address the sorting machine in Cork will route it to Ennis.This can cause delays,same applies to Parteen,Clonlara,Ardnacrusha.

iguana

Kess73 wrote: »

So part of Corbally is officially in Clare then, rather than it being me wrongly assuming that Westbury was listed as part of Corbally ?

Yup, if you look up any Westbury addresses on the PrecisionAddress function on the An Post verification page it says Westbury, Corbally, Co Clare.

http://address.anpost.ie/precisionaddressanpost/precisionaddresspost.aspx

limklad

kilburn wrote: »

City and county councillors will never get on LimkLad a dog with a mallet up his arse could see that. they constantly jeer each other so can imagine what it would be like them all in the one chamber.

I do not expect City Councillors to get on with anybody not even between themselves. County Councillors are bad, but the city councillors are far worst. There plenty of that in the Newspapers with upmanships and backstabbing deals for example the Mayor positions Politicians deals over the last 20 years. Look at the recent Bus Lane Routes fighting. They cannot seem to agree on that. So there is nothing new there. But far less city councillors will mean less fighting and more work done with less people and a big saving to the Tax payers.

limklad

iguana wrote: »

The post office addresses are the official legal addresses. Lots of areas/townlands cross county boundaries in the same way that Corbally is in both Limerick and Clare. For example, Celbridge is a Kildare town but part of it's townland extends into Dublin 22 at Hazelhatch.

Postal Address are not Official Address with Postal Routes are concern. Postal address differ from Councils addresses. They have not been the same since early Irish Free State days. While Councils use postal address to send to people Letters. If you put the wrong address on your planning permission, it will be rejected as non-valid address. Corbally does not officially extend into Co. Clare. If it did it would be part of Limerick City Council Area.
Councils address are the official State address. Postal address line up with delivery routes not Council Address.

Kess73

limklad wrote: »

Postal Address are not Official Address with Postal Routes are concern. Postal address differ from Councils addresses. They have not been the same since early Irish Free State days. While Councils use postal address to send to people Letters. If you put the wrong address on your planning permission, it will be rejected as non-valid address. Corbally does not officially extend into Co. Clare. If it did it would be part of Limerick City Council Area.
Councils address are the official State address. Postal address line up with delivery routes not Council Address.

So Westbury is incorrectly called part of Corbally then?

kilburn

limklad wrote: »

I do not expect City Councillors to get on with anybody not even between themselves. County Councillors are bad, but the city councillors are far worst. There plenty of that in the Newspapers with upmanships and backstabbing deals for example the Mayor positions Politicians deals over the last 20 years. Look at the recent Bus Lane Routes fighting. They cannot seem to agree on that. So there is nothing new there. But far less city councillors will mean less fighting and more work done with less people and a big saving to the Tax payers.

Shady mayor deals are done by every council in ireland not just Limerick City Council and the bus lane parish pump politics was because our esteemed mayor didnt want a bus lane outside her door.

Exactly how many councillors are there in the "County" part of our city? Raheen, Castletroy?

manna452121

List of City Members http://www.limerickcity.ie/YourCouncil/ElectedMembers/ and list of County Members http://www.lcc.ie/Councillors/Councillors/ .

kilburn

So according to my quick calulations 17 of the 17 city councillors are from the city obviously ! We have 28 members of the county council and only 4 from the city. So thats 24 muck savages going to be running a city before the cull. Interesting times ahead, by the way does anyone think that someone from Galbally or Glin will give a crap about Pineview Gardens?

Clutching my hard hat for the muck savages comment !

charlemont

Local administration hasnt changed much since 1898, Cork City has the same problem as Limerick in regard to the boundary.

manna452121

Before the last changes parts of Moyross were in the county council area,so maybe the did know about the location.But I think it was the first piece to be pulled down.

kilburn

manna452121 wrote: »

Before the last changes parts of Moyross were in the county council area,so maybe the did know about the location.But I think it was the first piece to be pulled down.

People of moyross may feel otherwise

Mc Love

Just been announced on twitter:
Merger of City and County Councils a historic announcement for Limerick - but what will it mean? Full reaction in the weekend Leader

charlemont

R.I.P. Limerick, The city is f**ked now, All its tax money etc will end up out in the county.

Kess73

charlemont wrote: »

R.I.P. Limerick, The city is f**ked now, All its tax money etc will end up out in the county.

The city was ran into the ground by the current mob of clueless self servers, if anything a merger may mean the county running the risk of becoming as poorly run as the city.

kilburn

Not in favour of this but willing to read the finer details before i start giving out, hopefully the city boundary will be extended as part of amalgamation making the city bigger and defining where the county starts

charlemont

Kess73 wrote: »

The city was ran into the ground by the current mob of clueless self servers, if anything a merger may mean the county running the risk of becoming as poorly run as the city.

Ha, I agree, But now the city boundary wouldnt be extended, I reckon it will be completely abolished anyway this country hasnt a clue about administration, Waterford and Galway are the only city councils to have all their urban areas included in their authorities here.

This wont work out at all, It'll be a fiasco.

Mc Love

Brosnan Report: Fact versus Fiction! (Limerick Chamber
President)

Posted on October 26, 2010 by limerickchamberpresident

For the Mid-West to function properly and achieve its
largely unfulfilled economic potential, having a strong and
thriving City at its core is an absolute imperative.
Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons set out in Denis
Brosnan’s ‘Renewing Local Government in Limerick’ report,
Limerick City does not fulfil that role today and, critically, at
a time of such need in terms of our economy.

The recommendations of the Limerick Local Government
committee (LGC), chaired by Denis Brosnan, aim at
securing a brighter and better future for the entire Mid-
West Region but only on the basis that it has a dynamic city
as its engine room. As the capital of the Mid-West region,
Limerick’s performance impacts on us all, whether you live
in the County of Limerick, Clare, Tipperary or, indeed,
Limerick City itself.

Implementing the well grounded recommendations of Denis
Brosnan’s report is our only chance to start addressing the
current shortfalls in the city and region. They give our
region, and Limerick City, the best hope to fully realise our
so far considerable but sadly unfulfilled potential.
Implementation of them is, undoubtedly, the keystone to
creating a more successful and sustainable future for all of
us and generations to come.

Critically, our understanding at the moment is that the
Government is only considering two options
1) Implementing in full the recommendations of the Local
Government Committee
2) Keeping the status quo

Government focus at present is on reducing the number of
local authorities and achieving efficiencies. Simply changing
the size of local authorities without reducing the numbers of
local authorities is not on the government agenda. It is
vital, therefore, that we all understand that the option of
just extending the city boundary and maintaining Limerick
City and County as two separate local authorities is not an
option being considered by Government. This would mean
Limerick County would have an approximate population of
only 80,000, way too small to justify a separate local
authority, not least due to all the expensive duplication of
functions and services involved estimated by the Denis
Brosnan Committee to be Euro 20M per annum.

Therefore, with no ‘half-way’ house as an option, we revert
to the two alternatives outlined above. The latter (keeping
the status quo) simply is not an option! And that’s why we
are asking you to, firstly, consider exactly why it is
essential that we adopt the report (we will help you below
with some of the reasons why there is no real alternative).
Beyond that – and in confidence your good judgement will,
like ours, be that implementing the Brosnan Report is an
imperative for this city and region – we would ask that you
add your voice to our “Strong City and Region” campaign
and sign our petition, which we will present to Government
in a few weeks time, ahead of their decision on this critical
issue.

There is considerable divided opinion in relation to the
recommendations set out by Denis Brosnan. We accept
there are deep sensitivities and loyalties involved but we
emphasise that this is not about taking from Clare so that
Limerick can be better. This is not about Limerick staking
claim to another county’s domain. It is about bringing us
closer together, for all our good. It is the only way that the
entire Mid-West and Limerick city can prosper as without
this, we will continue to fail.

We believe this report delivers what is best for the Region
and Limerick. It also acknowledges the cost savings that
are required but ones that can be made without any
diminution of service. Ultimately, the implementation of this
report will re-establish Limerick City as the 3rd largest city
in the country and transform it into a vibrant dynamo for
the entire region.

If you don’t take my word for the necessity for collective
strength, look no further than US President Barack Obama.
In June 2008, at a speech before a US conference of
Mayors, the then President elect Obama said:

“We need to stop seeing our cities as the problem and start
seeing them as the solution. Because strong cities are the
building blocks of strong regions, and strong regions are
essential for a strong America.”

Below I will outline exactly why this is not just a case of
one city’s battle to do better for itself but to do better for
the region. I have stuck to the facts. I look forward to your
comments and an open and honest debate about the
issues.

1) An expanded Limerick City Area

What this will result in
• A population which reflects the true metropolitan/urban
area of Limerick city. This will be of benefit to all of
Limerick and the greater mid-West Region. Strong cities
make strong regions!
• Reinstate our position as Ireland’s third city
• Reinforce our position as a national gateway
• Improve our attractiveness for investment and jobs
because:
o It will improve our competitiveness from a Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) perspective. One of the key research
points for any multi-national looking at locating operations
in Ireland, or elsewhere, is the population base/availability
of workforce (graduate and otherwise). Typically, multi-
nationals look to the largest cities and towns in a region. At
present, Limerick only shows 59,000 population but with
the realignment, it will show 100,000. This will significantly
enhance our FDI potential
o Currently Eurostat figures show Limerick as having the
lowest Employment/Population (of working age) Ratio of
any Irish City (Galway, Cork, Waterford and Dublin) and
our proportion of population educated to tertiary level is
below the national average.
o We will have a larger urban population and therefore
labour force
o We will have a larger, better functioning urban core
o It will allow a vision & master plan for the entire area of
Limerick to be developed
o Limerick, as the Mid-West’s capital, will no longer have
the highest unemployment rate, lowest labour force
participation rate or highest social housing ratio in Ireland

What this will not result in
• This will not result in split focus between Limerick City
and Limerick County to the detriment of one. The
development and economic growth, as well as the provision
of local government services to the entire Limerick area,
both urban and rural, will remain the sole focus of the new
authority

Misconception:
• This is not about land grabbing by Limerick into Clare:
o The areas in Co. Clare that are to be included in Limerick
city are included only because they are part of the urban
spread of Limerick city
o Limerick city already provides local government services
to these areas (eg. water & sewage)
o Residents in these areas in Co. Clare already vote in the
Limerick East Dáil electoral constituency
o They also already vote in the South Constituency for MEP
elections.
o It will in no way infringe on their county allegiance or
affiliation – e.g. they will play for Clare in the GAA parish
system or for their county should they be selected
o Residents in these areas are affected and impacted by
decisions made by Limerick’s local governance. The
realigning of the boundary will ensure that these people are
given a representative voice on Limerick local issues
o The recommendations are about creating a stronger
Limerick city which will be to the benefit of the entire region

2) A New Limerick Authority

What this will result in
• The abolition of the current complex governance system
that exists in Limerick with three local authorities plus the
regeneration agency all operating within a small geographic
area
• The report says that it is “extremely important to
recognise an enlarged distinct city within the new Limerick
authority” … as well as recognising “the importance of the
historical aspects of civic life and preserve those elements
of the heritage and traditions of the City”. The Chamber
fully endorses these recommendations.
• Cost savings
o For example streamlining of management structure,
resulting in one Limerick City & County manager, not one
for the county and one for the city.
o Eventual savings estimated at €20 million per annum
• Harmonisation of commercial rates between Limerick city
and county & ultimately a reduction in commercial rates
• An overall vision, strategy & master plan for Limerick
• Cooperation & coordination in planning
• Will eradicate duplication of services & associated costs.
• Will allow economies of scale.
• Will improve accountability of elected representatives &
council management.
• Will cease competition between Limerick City Council &
Limerick County Council.
• It will stop disjointed planning and policies between city &
county.

What this will not result in
• It will not increase commercial rates for businesses
currently located in County Limerick or Clare.
• It will not reduce the quantity or quality of front line
services to the community and people of Limerick
• It will not eradicate our city or its charter. There is no
mention of this in any part of the recommendations. In fact
the report aims at strengthening, not weakening, the city
• It will not reduce the focus on city centre regeneration in
any way. In contrast, with greater cooperation &
coordination a greater focus can be placed on city which
will be to the benefit of all Limerick people. There will also
be an increase in resources available to focus on city
centre regeneration

3) Elected Membership

What this will result in
• A reduction in the number of elected representatives
o Unlike TD’s there is no nationally defined ratio of
population to elected local councillors.
o We currently have 17 councillors in Limerick City for a
population of 59,770 (ratio of 1:3,516)
o Nationally county/city councillor representation ratio’s
range from 1:1,318 in Leitrim to 1 councillor per 10,000
people in Fingal. Kildare county council administers an area
of 187,000 people and has 25 elected representatives.
o The new Limerick authority will administer an area with a
combined population of 185,000
o We currently have 28 councillors in County Limerick for a
population of 124,265 (ratio of 1:4,43
• The number of councillors per local authority is set out in
the Local Government Act 2001. New legislation will need to
be enacted to change the current structures of Limerick
City Council and Limerick County Council and introduce a
new ratio of councillors per person in the area for the new
Limerick City and County authority
• Improved representation. Currently those living in the
suburbs of the city have no representative voice on city
council. This will no longer be the case.
• Reduced costs for tax payers and commercial rate payers
who ultimately pay the wages of councillors.

What this will not result in
• It will not reduce people’s public representation. The
number of new elected representatives will be in
accordance with the population of the new Limerick City &
County authority. The number of publicly elected officials
will be reduced. However every resident of Limerick will
still have an elected representative for their electoral
division which will be more reflective of the urban/ rural
divide.

4) Regeneration

What this will result in
• The Regeneration Agencies will ultimately operate under
the auspices of the new Limerick City & County Authority
o The Regeneration Agencies have been established as
independent entities to address problems of social
exclusion & improving the quality of life in priority areas in
Limerick city. Their mandate to eliminate social exclusion
can only be enhanced by being part of a Greater Limerick
master plan under one authority, all working to the same
end result – a vibrant inclusive and dynamic city and
region. The report suggests that this be incorporated into
the new Limerick City & County Authority. The blueprint for
this is already established in the Ballymun Regeneration
Agencies.

What this will not result in
• It will not reduce the focus or expertise on regeneration.
Regeneration will remain a priority.

5) Leadership

What this will result in
• One newly appointed Mayor for Limerick City and Country
appointed for a 5 year term (resulting in the current posts
of the Mayor for Limerick City and the Cathaoirleach for
Limerick County being removed)
o This mayor will be a figurehead/ leader to champion and
represent Limerick and the greater Mid-West region with
commercial & development organisations nationally &
internationally but with a mandate to ensure continuity of
implementing policies over the full 5 year term.
• Greater continuity in policies and role of Mayor.
o The template for this in Ireland is about to be introduced
in the Greater Dublin Metropolitan Area & such a system
effectively operates across the globe – Johnson in London,
Bloomberg in New York, Schwarzenegger for California.

What this will not result in
• Although there will no longer be two council officials
elected into the separate roles of Mayor for the city and
Cathaoirleach for the county, the newly appointed Mayor
for Limerick will have far greater responsibility to be a
figurehead and public representative for the people of
Limerick as the current holders of the two positions.
Indeed, if anything the increased term of office will ensure
that the Mayor can collectively market the region better
and raise the bar, therefore, for more ambitious targets for
Limerick during the term of office than under the current
system

In summary, we believe that the government is only
considering two options, i.e. to either (a) maintain the
status quo involving no change in the size or responsibility
of either local authority or (b) to adopt the
recommendations of Local Government Committee under
Denis Brosnan. Maintaining the status quo is not a realistic
option for our city and region. Everyone I have asked
agrees wholeheartedly on this. And yes, the timing of
implementing a decision is also vital. It needs to be
implemented immediately and not to be tied up with
bureaucratic delays. Whereas implementing the
recommendations of the Local Government Committee
under Denis Brosnan may only give everyone 90% of what
they would like to see, it will be such a dramatic
improvement on the status quo, that we owe it to our
future generations to accept the leadership being offered to
us and to embrace it collectively for the best interests of
our region and our city. Let the debate commence…..
http://www.limerickchamber.ie/

Mc Love

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0628/limerick.html

The Government has agreed to the creation of a 'new' single local authority for Limerick city and county.
1 of 1 Limerick - Minister Hogan sees merits in the merger
Limerick - Minister Hogan sees merits in the merger

The Government has agreed to the creation of a new single local authority for Limerick city and county.

Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government Phil Hogan said the decision to merge city and county authorities in Limerick will create a new single entity.

He said this will reduce the cost of doing business in Limerick, by the harmonisation of commercial rates 'downwards' to the county rate in place at the moment.

Minister Hogan said the move will free up resources for critical projects in Limerick city.

He said the move could produce savings of up to €15m each year by the merging of the staffing and administration areas.

Limerick's new merged local authorities will have a directly elected Mayor following the local elections of 2014. The elected Mayor will have a five-year term of office.

The proposals to merge the councils are in line with the recommendations of a report published last year, which recommended a single authority for Limerick as the best way forward for proper city and county planning.

The Limerick Local Government Committee, led by Denis Brosnan, also said such a merger could bring about efficiencies worth €20m.

Limerick City Council has argued against the merger and has instead sought a boundary extension so it could absorb the large suburbs of Castletroy, Caherdavin and Raheen.

The merged authority in Limerick will serve a population of around 187,000 people.

Limerick City Council currently has 17 councillors spread over four boroughs while Limerick County Council has 28 seats in five different areas.

An amalgamation will inevitably lead to a reduction in the number of councillors, though the exact figure would be based on the Central Statistics Office's population figures.

It is thought likely that proposals to include the estates of Shannon Banks and Westbury, which are located in Co Clare's administrative area, will not be part of the merger.

However, a section of land at the University of Limerick, which is across the river in Co Clare, may be included in the new authority so that the university would come under the remit of one single regional authority.

Browney7

I just have one question. Will it be the end of the L and LK registrations on new cars?

Amazotheamazing

Browney7 wrote: »

I just have one question. Will it be the end of the L and LK registrations on new cars?

God I hope not, some things are sacred. Think of the dead generations.

Browney7

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

God I hope not, some things are sacred. Think of the dead generations.

I agree. Them two regs are vital to our identity. Look at them losers in Dublin and Cork and they only have the one reg:D Some things in life are sacred.

zuroph

great news. immediate savings of €15million which will be ploughed back into job creation in Limerick. Sense prevails, and the clowns in city council can start to worry about their jobs now. will be great to have the two councils working together instead of against each other.

Mc Love

If they do change the reg - I hope they go with LK

1. Reduce costs for Limerick City Businesses. It will be possible to harmonise the rates downwards to the County Council level of €59.91 (City rate is currently €76.46);
2. The Economic Committee will drive economic development by creating cohesion and co-ordinating the local authority with development and enterprise agencies more efficiently;
3. Free up of resources for critical projects such as the revitalisation of Limerick’s city centre, regeneration, and support for enterprise and Gateway development;
4. Help to rebalance the City’s socio-economic profile which is currently skewed by exclusion of certain suburbs;
5. Potential savings of up to €15 million could be realised through merging of staffing and administrative structures and elimination of duplication;
6. Election of the Mayor of the new unitary authority after the 2014 local elections for the full five year term of the new authority;
7. Incorporation of the two Limerick Regeneration Agencies under the new management arrangements in 2012;
8. Membership of the new authority (i.e. after the 2014 local elections) will be appropriately sized in line with similarly populated counties;
9. Create an authority with the scale (population 184,000) and capacity to meet Limerick’s challenges, including social and economic issues;
10. Benefit the entire Mid-West Region, with a strong and successful City acting as a generator of economic and social development;
11. More cohesive and effective political and administrative leadership.

The new unitary authority will come into being following the 2014 local elections. Meanwhile, appropriate management arrangements will operate from early 2012 up to the 2014 elections, including arrangements to oversee the reorganisation process across the two authorities and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prepare for the establishment of the new authority in mid-2014. Further details will be made available as soon as possible in relation to planning, preparatory work and implementation arrangements.
A variation from the Committee’s recommendation is a decision not to implement the proposed transfer of an area of approximately 5 sq. kilometres from Clare to Limerick.

manna452121

Its a pity we have to wait until 2014 for all these changes.