Alf Smiddy seeks meetings with both sides to quell Cork council merger controversy

The chair of the group which has recommended a controversial merger of Cork city and county councils wants to hold high-level briefings with those on both sides of the debate amid mounting criticism.

Alf Smiddy said he plans to invite the city and county mayors, the chiefs executive of both councils, and business groups, to attend cross-table talks over the coming weeks.

He said he hoped the meetings would create “open and honest dialogue” and ensure that the relevant people fully understand the local government arrangements across the Cork region, and not just from a very narrow city or county perspective.