Saturday 1 March 2008

Limerick extension: 7,000 become city dwellers

MORE than 7,000 residents of suburban Limerick will officially become city dwellers today.

A boundary extension order signed yesterday by Environment Minister John Gormley transfers huge areas on the northside of the river Shannon from Co Limerick into the administrative area of Limerick City Council.

At the signing in Moyross, the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Ger Fahy, said the extension would be a major boost to the economic growth and well-being of the urban area. The extension was recommended by former Dublin City Manager John Fitzgerald in his report to Government on the regeneration of Moyross and Southill.

This recommendation was sanctioned by Mr Gormley and supported by Limerick City Council and Limerick County Council. The extension will increase Limerick city’s area by almost 50%, bringing in all of Moyross, Caherdavin and the rural hinterland of the city’s northside up to the Co Clare border. Limerick city’s urban population will be increased to almost 60,000.

The last boundary change was in 1950 when Limerick’s first cabinet minister Michael Keyes granted the city its only boundary extension in the 20th century.

Mayor Fahy acknowledged the role played by Limerick County Council in this boundary extension.

Mr Gormley said he was very proud to have a hand in making the order.

“I am determined to see through the actions set out in John Fitzgerald’s report and this is another concrete action delivered,” he added.

He said the order will help reinforce the substantial momentum being generated to establish the conditions for a lasting and sustainable improvement in the lives of the people of Moyross, its wider neighbourhood and the city and region as a whole.

He said this is an exciting time for Limerick.

He said: “I particularly welcome the depth of co-operation between Limerick City Council and Limerick County Council on this issue.”

Irish Examiner

www.buckplanning.ie

No comments: