And then the thorny subject arose!

THE thorny subject of a possible borough boundary extension in Kilkenny reared its head again at this month's meeting of Kilkenny County Council.

During previous discussions on the borough boundary members of both local authorities in Kilkenny have expressed strong opinions on the matter.

However, all members have agreed to meet on March 1 for a briefing meeting that will lay out all the issues involved.

County Manager Joe Crockett warned members that the meeting would not involve debate on the subject. "The purpose of the meeting is to provide information in a neutral setting. You can then reflect on it and come to your own views," he said.

Cllr Paul Cuddihy said it was extremely wise for both councils to get the same information at the same time and have a period of reflection to consider the implications fully. "The borough boundary has not been moved in 160 years so we can wait a bit longer. Nobody wants to bulldoze or rush anything," he said.

Cllr Pat Millea said he recalled former Cllr Michael Lanigan raising the issue in 1987. "He had the idea at the time that Kilkenny was never considered for industry because the population of Kilkenny City was too low. We haven't succeeded in getting an industry so maybe that's the reason or maybe it's not. It's time to consider it and move it on. Democracy will decide at the end of the day," he said.

Mayor Malcolm Noonan appealed to members not to take sides. "We are two local authorities here discussing the borough boundary extension for the betterment of Kilkenny as a whole. There is no other side here," he said.
Chairman Michael O'Brien queried the voting status of members with a dual mandate. "Legally there are no barriers to members with a dual mandate," replied Mr Crockett.

Cllr Cuddihy asked Cllr O'Brien to approach the meeting with an open mind. "I feel you are trying to put obstacles in the way and that is not the best thing for the county," he said.

The briefing meeting on March 1 will be held in committee. To date no formal proposal on the borough boundary has been lodged with Kilkenny County Council.