'It’s a part of Kilkenny and we should have it' - Cathaoirleach offers support to locals in the north-west of the county

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael Doyle, believes councillors based in the north-west part of the county will have to put in an 'extra push' to look after local people who feel cut off from the rest of the county.

His comments come  following the redrawing of the constituency boundaries which will see much of the area form part of the new constituency of North Tipperary.

Cllr Doyle, elected Cathaoirleach of the local authority in June of this year, claimed the work of councillors in the locality will be more important than ever but  said he has 'no doubts' that representatives in the area 'will row in to provide them (constituents) with any support they need going forward'.

However, the councillor, based in Callan-Thomastown Municipal District, did admit the news was a blow to County Kilkenny. 

"The initial reaction for me was one of disappointment that over 6,000 people won’t be available to vote for their own candidates in Kilkenny and Carlow," he said.

"The news is extremely disappointing. We were all wary that the south of the county may be pushed into Waterford but  this just came out of left-field, no one was expecting it.

"North or South, it’s a part of Kilkenny and we should have it. Across the whole of Kilkenny, people are extremely proud of where they are from and that should be represented in the way you vote and vote for your own people."

Cllr Doyle also fears for the relationships between TDs and councillors, which may suffer as a result of the changes.

"If there was an issue at a municipal meeting, TDs in Kilkenny could attend and listen, advise or get involved using their own local councillor to help with issues in an area," he explained.

"Now there’s  6,500 people up there who may not have a TD who can attend these meetings."