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

Deputy Cassells requested more specifics on the financial arrangements, but particularly the timeframe for the handover in Cork and when any compensation package can be reviewed. It is very much the intention that the ten-year mark would be the point at which such a review would take place. The Deputy spoke about transferring assets and liabilities under sections 9 and 11. The legislation is quite clear on the transfer of such assets and liabilities.

Deputy Cassells sought detail on the cross-boundary committees covering joint urban areas. Those are specifically designed for places such as Drogheda, Waterford, Limerick and Athlone. Their purpose will be to take a strategic look, from a planning perspective, at the urban centres that cross county boundaries in order to see how we might develop them properly in the future in an agreed way. No boundaries will be moved because, as the Deputy stated, they are an emotive issue, particularly in an Irish context.

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