Committee to plan single authority for Limerick city

WHAT was being hailed last night as one of the biggest shake-ups in local government could transform Limerick city and its hinterland.

Environment Minister John Gormley has given the green light for a powerful five-person group to draw up plans to bring the greater Limerick city area — which encompasses parts of Co Limerick and Co Clare — under the control of one authority to fight its urban decay and invigorate a €3 billion regeneration plan.

At present, in what has been described as “shambolic” local government, Limerick city and its suburbs are administered by Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council and Clare County Council.