The long-awaited Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) document has arrived.

The long-awaited €3bn transport strategy for Cork, which is finally due to be unveiled next week, is expected to recommend massive investment to deliver a reliable high-capacity bus system as a precursor to a Luas-type rail service.

Agreement will be given today to extend Cork’s City boundary for the first time in more than 50 years.

Cork is Ireland’s maritime haven, embracing the spirit of the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East — but we simply must let it be known to more people across the world, according to destination manager with Visit Cork, Ursula Morrish.

The minister for local government is prepared to legislate to extend Cork’s city-boundary within weeks in the absence of agreement from Cork’s two councils.

The construction of 16 social houses in the “middle” of an existing private estate will lead to new council tenants being “stigmatised”, according to a former Fianna Fáil mayor of Limerick.

The annual awards of the IGNITE business start-up programme that supports third level graduates take place on Thursday at University College Cork. Pádraig Hoare spoke to director of the programme, Eamon Curtin.

It appears that a growing number of Irish motorists are prone to 'lollipop rage'.

A major plan for the future of Cork’s cycling infrastructure has been delayed for more than a year because “environmental issues” have arisen.

The filming of a new movie documenting the 1983 prison breakout of IRA prisoners from the North’s Maze Prison got under way at the recently decommissioned Cork prison yesterday.

Cork ‘ambassadors’ who have helped generate almost €10m for the region through conference business this year will be honoured tonight.

Alan Kelly has rejected claims made by Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Cork, Chris O'Leary, that the decision to merge Cork City and County Councils is a "wreckless act of political vandalism".

The debate over the future of Cork’s local authorities has escalated to a war of words between two organisations representing businesses in the city.

EARLIER this week the Smiddy report was published and — unsurprisingly — it supported the expressed views of Environment Minister Alan Kelly by recommending, by the narrowest possible margin, that Cork City and County Councils be amalgamated.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

The first question one could reasonably ask upon glancing through the report recommending a merger of Cork City and County Councils is — Catherine Shanahan asks; will this actually ever happen?

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

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.

Serious public attention should be paid to the views of the 18 former Lords Mayor of Cork who oppose the abolition of Cork City and County Councils and replacing them with a ‘super council’. (Irish Examiner, August, 4)

A lack of urgency at national level and joined-up thinking at local level has seen Cork Airport falling behind in the quest for passenger numbers, writes Cork TD Jerry Buttimer            

A Government TD has criticised the pace of efforts to market Cork as a single tourist destination.

More than 5,000 people have signed up for public bike schemes in Cork, Galway and Limerick since they were launched last month, the National Transport Agency has revealed.

A teenage girl, who lost a cousin to suicide, has won council backing for her bid to light up bridges in her native Limerick with anti-suicide messages, to try to prevent others taking their own lives.

Galway has been designated a UNESCO City of Film.

A Government Minister has said it is "inappropriate" for County Councils to threaten tenants with eviction if they do not pay their water bill.

Fourteen councils have reduced their Property Tax rates for next year, which will save more than a million homeowners a total of €45m.

Rory McIlroy has never even seen Fota Island, let alone played it. But if the hard work of organisers is anything to go by, he and his fellow players will be wowed not only by the three championship golf courses set in beautiful parkland, but also by the structures in place to make this week’s Irish Open one of the best ever.

The 2014 Sliabh Luachra Music Trail, celebrating the traditional musical style of the area, will be launched on Friday by Arts Minister, Jimmy Deenihan, TD, at Ballydesmond Community Centre. The aim is a year-round calendar of events, encompassing festivals and venues throughout the region.

Cork Film Centre faces an uncertain future after losing its Arts Council funding, reports Colette Sheridan

Now that it has been confirmed that Fota Island will once more host the Irish Open golf tournament this year, can we expect this time that Cork County Council wont stop at the gates of Fota Hotel with its preparatory road resurfacing works, but will at least carry on and finish the rest of the Fota Road to Cobh and the Great Island.

Galway’s days as an airport city ended yesterday.

Galway City and County Councils have decided to buy the Galway Airport site at Carnmore.

The body that represents Town Councils has said that the new Local Government Reform Bill will fail, if elected bodies do not have financial autonomy.

Cork’s Rebel Week organisers have put the “Big Fella langer” controversy behind them to unveil full details of the city and county’s flagship Gathering event.

IF throwing a stone in water sends out ripples, then a powerful RIB 12-passenger ferry can send out strong waves and positive vibes which may yet wash up on fertile shores for waterside work commuters.

Limerick is planning to double its visitor numbers following the establishment of the first marketing company for a city in Ireland.

The High Court has today dismissed an appeal by the National Asset Management Agency (Nama) against a ruling by the Commissioner for Environmental Information that it is a public authority and therefore subject to information requests.

Limerick County Council yesterday became the first Irish recipient of an international quality award for drinking water.

It is certainly arguable that the most decisive act taken by any minister in the current government occurred this week when Environment Minister Phil Hogan announced a pretty significant reform of local government.

The tourism minister paid tribute yesterday to everyone who helped to save, protect and conserve historic Fota House in Cork since it came into public ownership almost 40 years ago.

John Daly discusses the highs (and sometimes lows) of the entrepreneurial journey.

Enda Kenny claims his administration has “retrieved and reinstated” the values of the founders of the Free State and put them at the heart of government policy.

The amalgamation of Limerick City and County Councils in 2014 is likely to result in staff reductions of about 20% in the first radical overhaul of local authorities in the country.

County Councils across the country are thought to be considering new cost-cutting plans, as household charge figures remain stubbornly low.