Merger of Tipperary County Councils

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Details have been released concerning the reorganisation of the two Tipperary County Councils to facilitate the eventual merger of both Local Authorities.

Two principal Local Authority centres will be based in Clonmel and Nenagh where frontline services will be available.

There will also be investment in both locations for the provision of customer service desks which according to the Minister for the Enviroment Phil Hogan, will allow constituents to have any queries dealt with by staff in either centre.  Additionally an economic development plan for the county will be prepared.

There will also be a 40% reduction in top management level. The new structure will consist of five directors of services and a head of finance.

The implementation group in its report claim that they expect to make significent savings once the amalgamation is in place.

Fine Gael Deputy Tom Hayes has said that while there will be some short term expense as both councils are merged it isexpected that around €3.8 million per year will initially be saved as a result of the reorganisation.  It is further expected to see savings rise to €6 million per year in the medium to long term.

Work is due to begin immediately on implementing all of these recommendations which is expected to be completed by mid 2014