Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 94:

“Blarney Tower and adjacent hinterlands

29. That the Blarney Tower and adjacent hinterlands should remain within the Cork County Council Area and not be transferred to the City Area. This would result in a population of 6,357 remaining within the County administrative area (based on the census 2016).”.

I will try not to delay progress on this Bill because there are quite a few amendments listed tonight. I want to revisit amendments Nos. 45, 48, 50 to 52, inclusive, 55 and 57 on Report Stage but for now I will discuss this amendment, which is hugely important for the people of Blarney. We are talking about 6,357 people. I have to take feedback from the areas represented by independent councillors, such as Councillor Kevin Conway, who has made it clear to me that the people of that area do not want to be brought within the city boundaries. The people feel their voices have not been heard. The people of Blarney certainly feel like that and I know something like 6,000 people signed a petition against this in Ballincollig. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State could clarify to the people of Blarney that they will not be brought under the city council area.