Minister Stanton welcomes Cork boundary progress

Progress with the Local Government Bill 2018, which will provide for changes to Cork City and Cork County boundaries, has been welcomed by Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, David Stanton.

Minister Stanton advised that the General Scheme of the Bill has now been brought to Cabinet by his colleague, John Paul Phelan TD, Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform.

Speaking on the matter Minister Stanton said: “The redefining of the boundaries between Cork City and Cork County is a major administrative change for Cork, the scale of which has not been undertaken here since the 1960s.

“It follows on from the recommendations of the Cork Expert Advisory Group, as endorsed by the Cork Oversight Group, and is necessary to ensure a vibrant city and county area capable of providing a counterbalance to development in Dublin.

“While some of the changes proposed were seen as controversial, everyone has recognised the need for change in Cork administrative areas to provide for effective planning for the future.

“I was also pleased that my suggestion of taking the M8 to the east of Cork City as the natural boundary for the extension was taken on board by Minister Phelan ”, said Minister Stanton.

“I understand that while the boundary alteration and changes within both Councils’ jurisdiction will take full legal effect in mid-2019, the legislation brought to Cabinet will allow for a flexible and gradual transfer of all the necessary functions in tandem with the current review of local electoral areas before the 2019 elections.

“These administrative changes along with very significant Government investment, through the National Planning Framework, in strategic infrastructure projects such as the M20 Cork to Limerick motorway, the Dunkettle Interchange and Cork City Northern Relief Road will allow for the economic expansion Cork city. Other important road projects include the current study of the N25 capacity between Midleton and Carrigtwohill and the Mallow Relief Road.”