Minister Denis Naughten has confirmed that a report on local government, including consideration of the Athlone Boundary Report, will be presented to Cabinet in the coming weeks.

“I have been working closely with the Minister responsible for this plan, John Paul Phelan TD, and I am confident that this will provide clarity once and for all to the Athlone boundary issue,” stated Minister Naughten.

In advance of the Cabinet discussion Minister Naughten has sought a meeting with the six local councillors as well as the Cathoirleach and CEO of Roscommon County Council.

“While I am a firm supporter of greater co-operation across the River Shannon, I am also utterly opposed to any change whatsoever to the border of County Roscommon,” stated Minister Naughten.

“I made this view crystal clear to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar before my appointment as Minister and I expect that this position will be respected in the final decision by Cabinet.”