The first step in a Bill which would give the people of Monksland, or any area under threat of a county boundary change, the right to vote on such a Boundary change got the green light in the Dáil today.
Denis Naughten TD put forward a proposal that the 1991 Local Government Act be amended “to ensure that the county status of a community shall not be altered without the explicit consent of the majority of its electorate.”
The proposed amendment would mean that results of any vote would be legally binding on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government – under the current Act the Minister must take note of the Boundary Review Report (and submissions) but it ultimately that would make the Final decision.
Deputy Frank Feighan and Leas Ceann Comhairle Michael Kitt supported the proposal and there was no objection from the Taoiseach’s representative Chief Whip Paul Kehoe.
The next step will see the Bill be discussed further during “Private Members Time” with that it will be passed by the Summer recess. Although this is positive news for the Save Roscommon campaign and the people of the county everyone is encouraged to make a submission to the boundary review Committee before next Wednesday’s deadline.