Seanad debates

Tuesday, 19 January 2016

2:30 pm

Photo of John KellyJohn Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise an issue I raised last week, namely, the proposed land grab in Monksland, County Roscommon, by Westmeath County Council.This is a very serious issue. We attended a meeting last Monday night at which 1,700 people were present. I sought a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government last week and am still calling on the Leader to bring that about. We must have the debate before the election is called. I note, for example, that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council covers parts of Wicklow but we do not see it trying to grab the part of Wicklow for which it is responsible. Fingal County Council covers parts of Meath but we do not see it trying to grab the part of County Meath for which it is responsible. If this is about creating city status for Athlone, I will give an example to the House. Istanbul is the biggest city in Europe. It is the fifth largest city in the world. Not only does it straddle two provinces, it straddles two continents and it operates very well. There is no need for consideration of a change of boundaries in County Roscommon. The people of Roscommon will not allow it to happen. I urge the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government on this issue as soon as possible.

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