Cork losing out on 'major benefits' due to merger delay, says Alf Smiddy

Cork has been unable to capitalise on the “major benefits” that would accrue from a merger of its local authorities, because of the “frenzy of nonsensical politicking” that followed publication of a report in favour of the merger.

That’s according to business consultant, Alf Smiddy, who chaired the five-person expert committee that produced the report, which has since been shelved.

Mr Smiddy said that since the review was published, Cork had lost “so much valuable time, plus major benefits, by engaging for over 12 months in a frenzy of nonsensical politicking, procrastination, and posturing”.