Super-council is great idea that will raise Cork’s profile as true EU city

Last Thursday, Environment Minister Alan Kelly said an expert review group would make recommendations on Cork’s boundaries and its local government.

Cork people will be winners if this review is successful. Cork can become a metropolitan district that competes on the European stage. International observers see Cork as a large town, rather than as a cosmopolitan, regional capital with a competitively sized population that complements rural industries, such as agriculture, food and tourism.

Co Cork’s growth has been impeded by a perceived low population in and around Cork City. The expansion of the city boundary into areas controlled by Cork County Council can counteract this stagnation. Department of Environment communications indicate that a super-council is likely, with city and county councils working as a team.