Alf Smiddy rejects Cork merger criticism

The main author of a report recommending the amalgamation of two local authorities has hit back at academics who have criticised the merger plans.

Alf Smiddy, whose report recommended the merger of Cork City and county councils, said he and his team carefully analysed every aspect of the submissions from academics at UCC.

“We also attended presentations given by them and had face-to-face meetings with them,” he said. “Whilst I would be respectful of their perspectives, the reality is that their analysis fell short on the back of the weight of international research and practical examples in support of local authority mergers overseas.”