Debate needed on Cork’s future - Amalgamation of authorities

THE idea of smaller, leaner government has long appealed to people of a certain disposition even if the Reagan/Thatcher years, the high water mark of that philosophy, are hardly a ringing endorsement; their legacy is not as empowering and freeing as they and their supporters imagined it might be.

Debate needed on Cork’s future - Amalgamation of authorities

Nevertheless, rationalisation of services, particularly administrative services, seems reasonable. One of the amalgamations being considered is the unification of Cork City and County councils. The Cork Local Government Review is at final deliberations stage, even though the process has been marked by an absence of any meaningful public debate or consultation. Those responsible are working away unencumbered by any significant input from those who might be affected by their plans. There are suggestions a new authority might not be as accessible or as accountable as the city or county bodies. That would be unacceptable to urban and rural people. So, too, would the prospect of Cork City becoming a dependent partner in a federation of communities.

On the face of it, there seems nothing wrong with the idea of a single authority but unless that can be established without undermining the dynamic life and culture of either party to this marriage of convenience, then it is time to pause and consider the alternatives. But, most of all, it is time everyone in Cork made themselves aware of the issues — before it’s too late.

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