John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Zoning is a function that is reserved separately for each authority. Equally, responsibility for the raising of finance through commercial rates or the local property tax will remain with individual authorities. These groups will be set out in the local government Bill that is due to be discussed in the coming weeks. It is possible that additional powers will be given to this structure if that is agreed to by both local authorities. I have mentioned as an example Carlow where there has been a long-standing agreement for 40 years on shared services. I envisage that this group with have these responsibilities in that area. In other places throughout the country it is about performing functions that are not being performed or that are being inadequately performed by local authorities. I will mention as an example the transport infrastructure along the border between Waterford city and County Kilkenny which is the scenario I know best. Traditionally, there has been just one bridge in Waterford city centre because the River Suir is so wide. I hope a joint application for funding to enable the development of the second bridge that is needed will be made by Waterford City and County Council and Kilkenny County Council in the near future. Issues such as the practicalities of traffic flow have to be considered. The proposals made by Waterford City and County Council, as they stand, stop at the boundary. The proposals made by Kilkenny County Council, as they stand, stop at the boundary. There is no integration of the plans on either side. This applies not just to transport but also to retail and spatial planning.