This article is from page 11 of the 2006-05-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
THERE has been a “hands off” response to renewed calls for parts of Clare to be taking into Limerick in a boundary extension.
The latest call was made by the University of Limerick’s Professor Ed Walsh in a presentation made at a lunch organised by the Shannon and District Chamber of Commerce.
Professor Walsh said that Limerick “is currently at a disadvantage.
“The 40-year boundary dispute has sapped local political and administrative energy.
“The city boundary bears no relationship to the urban area.
“As a result Limerick lacks a coherent vision or future plan to entice a prospective investor,”
He was urging the ‘twinning’ of Limerick and Galway to produce a counter balance to Dublin as a centre for investment and growth.
To do this, it is necessary for Limerick to take control of the area surrounding it and not be at the dictates of three local authorities, he said.
“This region has failed to attract any major investment in the past decade.
“The debilitating 40-year boundary dispute needs to be resolved and the people of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary should work together.”
But east Clare councillor Paschal Fitzgerald said that Clare should not be included.
“For Limerick City to take Limerick County is the natural conclusion but people in Clare have their own identity,” he said.