Review Into Possible Merger Of Cork City And County Councils To Be Published

The highly contentious issue of merging both Cork City and County council is back in the spotlight today as a review into the proposal is being published.

The McKinnon Review has recommended that both authorities be maintained with the city boundary to be extended.

The findings of the review group contradict its predecessor, The Smiddy Report, which recommended the merger of the two councils to create a super council.

The Irish Examiner reports that the city boundary extension will increase the city's population by 100,000 bringing Ballincollig, Blarney, Carrigtwohill and Little Island the airport regions into its remit.

The number of city councillors will also increase from 31 to 39.

It's expected concerns will be raised by Cork County Council who will see an erosion of rates revenue by up to a third.

However the City Council are expected to welcome the move.

Speaking to RedFM News Lord Mayor Cllr Des Cahill says while he was against a merger he believed a boundary extension was needed:

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