Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if and when he will set up a commission on boundary extensions for Limerick and Waterford cities under the terms of Sections 55 to 62 of the Local Government Act, 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33349/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The procedures currently governing boundary alterations are set out in Part V of the Local Government Act 1991 and in the Local Government (Boundary Alteration) Regulations 1996. Under these provisions, it is open to a local authority to initiate a proposal for the alteration of its boundaries. This involves preparation of a formal boundary alteration proposal by the authority concerned including financial, organisational and other implications; invitation of public submissions, and consultation with the other local authorities affected by the proposal, prior to submitting a formal application to the Minister.

In light of the desirability of achieving the maximum consensus locally, an exploratory process has been initiated at my request between the Managers of Limerick City and Limerick and Clare County Councils, with officials of my Department, to consider the range of options open to the three Councils in the context of an application by Limerick City Council under the above Act and Regulations. I understand that Waterford City Council are also developing a boundary alteration application under the above legislation.

Part 8 of the Local Government Act 2001 which deals with boundary alterations has not been commenced.