Local government in urban centres to be overhauled

THE merger of Limerick city and county councils under a directly elected mayor will herald a major shake-up of local government across the country, the Environment Minister has revealed.

Phil Hogan indicated similar overhauls could be on the way for other major urban centres like Cork, Waterford and Galway.

The minister insisted Limerick would lead the way as the city had suffered “serious decline” due to the way its authorities operated at present.