GAA ‘should ignore city extension’

THE GAA should ignore any potential extension of Waterford into Kilkenny in an effort to quell deep-rooted hurling rivalries, Waterford city councillors have urged.

The ‘turf war’ between the counties has taken another twist with the city council unanimously backing a proposal that the extension into Kilkenny should be granted.

But the GAA should be advised to keep hurling out of it and continue to follow the old boundary line, even if the extension is granted, said Cllr Mary Roche.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said the original extension proposal incorporating a response to Kilkenny County Council was the best way forward.

The Department of the Environment is due to make a decision on the matter over the coming months.

To overcome the sporting crux she suggested the ideal solution would be for the GAA not to recognise the boundary extension.

“That would be a solution to all the problems. If you take the GAA out of the argument there is no contest to the boundary extension.”

Workers’ Party Councillor Davy Walsh a boundary extension shouldn’t be an impediment to Kilkenny people continuing their allegiances to their hurling and football teams.

Stressing that what was being proposed was neither a hostile take-over or land grabbing exercise, he said that what was being proposed was “an expansion purely to provide a better level of service for people living in the area”.

But county councillors in Kilkenny want Waterford City Council to cough up the €100,000 it cost the authority to complete a consultant’s report on why the extension proposal should be scrapped.

Cllr John Brennan told councillors gathered for a special meeting to discuss opposition to the extension last December that the local authorities of Kilkenny and Waterford should be co-operating, rather than fighting over a piece of land.

“I am completely and utterly opposed to them taking over even half an inch from us. It makes no sense what so ever.”

Fine Gael Councillor Tom Maher said the extension as proposed was the wrong way to go.

“Anyone with any idea of how the city would develop should know that the Cork road was the natural way for Waterford to develop.”

Cllr Dixie Doyle suggested that the city council would be far better off focusing on getting a university for the region.

Boundary views

Kilkenny believes the proposed extension:

* Is not needed to develop Waterford city.

* Runs contrary to the current best practices for planning and development.

* Makes no financial sense.

* Does not benefit people or business in the area.

* Is based on the city’s financial rather than potential development of the area.

* Would alter the community, cultural and sporting identity of the area.