11 April 2019
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
Cork’s Councils embark on awareness campaign in advance of the changes to Cork City’s boundary
Cork County Council and Cork City Council have begun an awareness campaign to ensure that the 85,000 citizens impacted are aware of the change which takes effect on 31st May 2019.
Areas such as Ballincollig, Blarney, Tower, Glanmire, Douglas, Donnybrook, Grange, Frankfield, Rochestown and Togher are set to transfer from Cork County Council to Cork City Council on May 31st 2019. An information leaflet highlighting the changes is being distributed to all households and businesses within the transfer area.
Significant work has been carried out by the Chief Executives of both Councils, and their staff, in planning and organising the transition of over 400 services from the County administrative area to the City administrative area.
As part of the change, 203 staff will transfer from Cork County Council to Cork City Council. All services such as road, planning and environment currently operated by Cork County Council will be managed by Cork City Council from May 31st. Cork City Council will levy rates in the transition area from January 1st 2020.
Up to 62,567 votes will transfer from Cork County Council Cork City Council in time for the Local and European elections. Polling cards will issue in advance of the May 24th elections and will provide details of polling stations. However citizens are asked to visit www.checktheregister.ie to check that their vote is registered correctly.
Awareness in relation to the boundary change is also being promoted through a range of press adverts in the coming weeks, as well as a proactive social media campaign and radio adverts which will run in the lead up to the transfer day.
Both Councils have established dedicated helplines for anyone with a query on how the boundary alteration might affect them. They can be contacted during office hours at 021 428 5054 for Cork County Council or 021 492 4444 for Cork City Council. A comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, together with an interactive map highlighting the boundary change, is available online at www.corkcoco.ie and www.corkcity.ie
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy highlighted how Cork County Council will be contacting every customer and business that has a direct relationship with the Council, “As County Mayor, I thank you for working with us and I assure you that Cork County Council will advise all our citizens of what this means for them and we are here to answer any queries. It has been a pleasure to serve you.”
Commenting on the changes, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Mick Finn said: “As you know from May 31st, Cork City will have its first Boundary Extension for the first time in 50 years. This will yield opportunities for Cork city as well as challenges. In the coming days, leaflets will be delivered to homes and businesses coming into the city and we look forward to welcoming you in and explaining how Cork City Council will operate for you”
