Cork city and county boundary shift could affect 79,000

Up to 79,000 people currently living in County Cork may soon be moved into the city under new proposals to review the boundary between the two.

The Minister for the Environment has appointed an independent committee to examine the issue, which will report back later in the year.

The move could have a significant impact on Cork County Council, who would lose out on rates if the changes are approved.

Minister Alan Kelly said the committee, chaired by a local businessman, will carry out important work.

"They will do so independently, and they will report back to me September," he said.

"I look forward to the outcome. I think it's something very necessary for Cork, and I think it is something many people have been looking for decades."