Strong opposition to a Waterford City Council proposal to extend the city boundary into south Kilkenny.
Waterford City Council want the city to get bigger and has its sights set on extending into part of south Kilkenny. It has lodged a formal proposal with the government to incorporate 6,000 acres of Kilkenny into Waterford. This includes the Kilkenny hurling stronghold of Slieverue, and the lucrative Belview Port.
Nearly 2,000 south Kilkenny households will be affected, and the issue is proving devisive. Tomás Breathnach of Kilkenny County Council is opposed to the proposal.
I believe cooperation between the two local authorities is the best for the people of this area.
His brother, Waterford City Councillor Jack Walsh, holds the opposite opinion,
I believe the boundary extension is vital to the proper development of Waterford City.
More than 8,000 people have lodged formal objections to the Waterford City Council proposal. As only 6,500 live in the effected area, it would seem people from other parts of Kilkenny are supporting their county folk.
The final decision in this hot political, social and sporting issue will be made by Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Dick Roche.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 September 2005. The reporter is Damien Tiernan.
