Plans by Limerick City Council to extend its boundaries into Co Clare are being fiercely resisted in the Banner county because of fears that a Limerick City address will result in a drop in property values.
Limerick City Council, which says development of the city is being hampered by its administration by three different local authorities, has drawn up plans to increase its size fourfold, annexing 1,600 hectares of Co Clare and 4,800 hectares of Limerick county.
Among the Co Clare areas due to be encompassed by the city are Corbally, Westbury, Parteen, Shannon Banks and parts of Meelick. In Co Limerick the areas to be brought into the city include Rosbrien, Rathurd, Garryglass, Newcastle and Castletroy.
But the advances of the metropolitan area - dubbed "stab city" in the tabloid press because of feuding families and attacks on individuals - is being firmly rebuffed by residents in upmarket areas of Co Clare who fear the value of their homes may be adversely affected.
According to Ennis based estate agent Mr Roger Leyden "passions have been aroused by the debate, particularly in the Parteen area".
The proposed change is also being strongly resisted by members of Clare County Council.
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