Super-council is great idea that will raise Cork’s profile as true EU city
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.
It is a brave call by Minister Kelly to remove the decision-making from the elected members of both councils. The task-force’s independence is welcome, but brings trepidation about its accountability.
It is paramount that elected representatives have an opportunity to express their views and that communities are consulted.
The super-council must create an environment that facilitates enterprise. Facilitate the success of small and medium-sized industry in urban and rural areas but more importantly, facilitate a geographical balance of investment.
Also, remember, a retailer in Castletownbere, Bantry, Goleen or Glengariff cannot come close to paying the same rates as a compatriot on Patrick Street in the city. A well-thought-out financial model is necessary.
Any merger should provide savings that could be reinvested in front-line services. Such savings can only be effective if a new governance model encompasses both urban and rural lives. There should not be an urban-rural divide. With effective public representation, this concern should be alleviated.
A super-council, or Team Cork, as I would like to see it, could substantially develop our tourism industry. At last year’s Irish Open Golf Championship, in Fota, both councils collaborated to market Cork globally.
Such initiatives can only be positive. We need more of them.
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