Owen O'Callaghan considers moving business to Dublin if Cork councils merge

The Cork-based property developer, Owen O'Callaghan, has said he would consider moving his business base from Cork if Cork City and County Councils merge.

The Government has appointed a review group, chaired by the former Beamish boss, Alf Smiddy, to look into the possibility of a merger and it is due to report back later this month.

It has been reported that some of the group favours an amalgamation of both councils.

Mr O'Callaghan told Newstalk's Down to Business today that if the councils come together he is prepared to move his business to Dublin.

However, Mr O'Callaghan thinks that Cork City Council should stay autonomous and increase its territory and population to more than 250,000 people.

He said this would make Cork city a more significant second city and act as a balance to the economic power of the Greater Dublin Area.