Boundary changes to be in place next

MORE THAN 85,000 PEOPLE FROM THE COUNTY WILL GO UNDER THE WING OF THE CITY COUNCIL month

THE two local authorities covering Cork have embarked on a public awareness campaign ahead of the boundary changes across the city and county that will officially come into effect from the end of next month.

Some 85,000 people will be impacted by the boundary changes, with areas including Ballincollig, Blarney, Tower, Glanmire, Douglas, Donnybrook, Grange, Frankfield, Rochestown and Togher set to be transferred from the jurisdiction of Cork County Council to its city counterpart from Friday, May 31.

Since the announcement that boundary amendments would be coming into force, significant administration work has been undertaken by the chief executives of both authorities, and their staff, in planning and organising the reallocation of more than 400 services and 203 staff from the county to the city council.

Under the new arrangement all services such as roads, planning and environment currently operated from the county across the transition area will be transferred.

However, rates levied in the areas will remain under the County Council’s budget until the beginning of next year.

While, the actual transition will not take place until May 31, more than 62,500 voters will transfer from the county to the city in time for the local and European elections on Friday, May 24. While polling cards and details of polling stations will be issued to those affected in advance of the day, people are advised to visit www.checktheregister.ie to see ensure their details are correctly registered.

An information leaflet highlighting the changes will being distributed to all households and businesses within the transfer area. In addition, a high-profile print, radio and social media information campaign will be conducted over the coming weeks.

Both councils have established dedicated help lines for anyone with a query on how the boundary alteration might affect them. They can be contacted during office hours at 021 428 5054 for Cork County Council or 021 492 4444 for Cork City Council.

A comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, together with an interactive map highlighting the boundary change, is available online at both www.corkcoco.ie and www. corkcity.ie

The Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Gerard Patrick Murphy, said Cork County Council ensure that every individual and business currently under its remit that will be impact by the switch over will be contacted directly.

“As County Mayor, I thank you for working with us and I assure you that Cork County Council will advise all our citizens of what this means for them and that we are here to answer any queries. It has been a pleasure to serve you,” he said.

In a message to those people living and working in the impacted areas, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn, conceded that while the first boundary changes in Cork for more than half a century would present challenges it would also “yield opportunities” for the city.

“We look forward to welcoming you in and explaining how Cork City Council will operate for you,” he said.