A chara, – Given the geographic vastness of Cork county and the significance of Cork city, both historically and as the second city of this nation, it is difficult to see how merging the local governments of the two would be of benefit to either. Indeed, this "unwieldy" creation (to use the word used in this newspaper's editorial of September 9th) seems more likely to be to the detriment of both.
Rural life in Ireland is hard enough these days without depriving the people of Cork county of leadership that is in the position to focus on their needs; and the people of Cork city needs its leaders to be able to focus on those needs that are particular to an urban setting as the city strives to thrive and grow. The pittance saved by the merger will be dearly paid for by the damage to the economies of both areas and therefore the nation as a whole.
Thankfully this is simply a recommendation at this point rather than a reality, not withstanding the relevant Minister’s enthusiasm for the proposal. And also thankfully there is a general election close to hand. Now is the time for the people of Cork, both urban and rural, to make their voices heard. The prospect of losing or gaining a seat focuses the mind of a politician wonderfully. – Is mise,
Rev PATRICK G BURKE,
Castlecomer,
Co Kilkenny.
Sir, – Your editorial of September 9th was excellent. Were rational forces at play, Cork would have expanded its city boundaries long ago to incorporate its principle suburbs, its deep water port at Ringaskiddy and its airport. This would create a city of more then a quarter of a million people which could become another major node of development within Ireland. Cities are where the action happens in 21st-century wealth and job creation and, as the Keogh/Reidy minority report says , “cities drive regions”.
Unfortunately rational thought on local democracy does not appear to be the Government’s strong suit. Minister for Local Government Alan Kelly’s statement of support for the merger of Cork city and county authorities, prior to his establishment of a review committee to advise him on the issue, speaks for itself.
Local democracy would seem to have reached a nadir in this country when a Minister effectively dictates what governance structures should be for half a million citizens with the barest minimum of public consultation.
Let us hope that senior politicians from Cork with a more enlightened vision of its future can, even at this late stage, turn the boat around. – Yours, etc,
GERARD WRIXON,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.