Cork council merger group members decline committee invites

Two key figures in the body which recommended a merger of Cork city and county councils have declined several invitations to appear before an Oireachtas committee.

Business consultant Alf Smiddy, former chairman of the Cork Local Government Committee and senior counsel John Lucey, who along with former Kerry county manager Tom Curran supported the merger report, have said they are unavailable to appear before the committee on the environment, culture and the Gaeltacht despite being offered five dates in October and November.

They each cited work and travel commitments. Mr Curran, who is understood to be abroad, has not responded to the invitations.