Cork councils agree to put 'acrimonious' past behind and work 'on matters of joint interest'

Cork city and county councils to draw up plans to develop a better working relationship following the acrimony over the city boundary extension in 2019

Valerie O'Sullivan will shortly take up the position of chief executive of Cork City Council. Picture: Brian Lougheed

Plans are to be drawn up to create a better working relationship between councillors representing Cork City and Cork county councils following “acrimonious” divides of the past.

These first started when the city council reneged on a joint waste strategy more than a decade ago and festered further when it proposed a far bigger land grab from the county council than what it was eventually allowed in the city boundary extension in 2019.

Now it looks as though the stars are aligned for a reset and better cooperation between the two councils.

A motion to the county council to seek greater cooperation was proposed by Fine Gael councillor Una McCarthy.

She delivered it as county council chief executive Moira Morrell and Valerie O’Sullivan sat next to each other at the top table in the chamber in County Hall.

Ms McCarthy said a joint committee with representatives from both local authorities should be reconvened and meet regularly “to work on matters of joint interest". She said it would be advantageous, particularly for her municipal district of Carrigaline as it borders the city and there are mutual interests to be discussed.

“The joint committee would have a different focus and it would serve to collaborate on mutual day-to-day matters concerning road improvements as well as strategic projects such as motorways, greenways and transportation,” Ms McCarthy said.

She added with both authorities getting new chief executives, it was an ideal way to start to reset relationships.

“With two new chief executives on both local authorities there is a fresh opportunity to work together on day-to-day matters that impact the people in our communities,” she said.

It was suggested by officials that there be some engagement with the city council on the Cork Area Strategic Plan.

The plan sets out key goals for the Cork Metropolitan Area to provide a strategy for the significant enhancement in economic growth and population growth in the region.

However, Fine Gael councillor Anthony Barry said this was just in relation to policy matters and the engagement should be broadened out for other issues.

“The acrimony caused by the expansion of the city can now be put to bed,” he added.

County council officials said a mechanism for more meetings could be adopted as part of the engagement between both councils on the Cork area plan.