Cork City Council branded a ‘failed entity’

As Cork’s most senior minister warned “it would be a disaster” if the city and county councils did not merge into one local authority, a party colleague yesterday labelled Cork City Council a “failed entity”.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said one strong local authority was required to be able to act as an economic driver to match the Dublin region.

Mr Coveney said joined-up thinking was required as “local governance needs to change” in the region in order for it to progress.