A LOOK AT NEW MUNSTER

Munster is surrounded by Connacht to the north, Leinster to the east and by the Atlantic ocean to the south and west. It covers an area of 9,550 sq. miles and has a population of 1,020,000. Munster has fared much better economically than Connacht, due primarily to 1) 80% of the land in Munster is arable compared to less than 50% in Connacht, 2) land holdings in Munster are much larger than those in Connacht, and 3) Munster is home to the Irish dairy industry which has up to now provided the home-grown economic base sorely lacking in Connacht, and for that matter, in the rest of Ireland. It has a population density of 106 per sq. mile, compared to Connacht with a density of 63 per sq. mile and Leinster with a density of 242 per sq. mile.

Within the Eire Nua concept, Munster's parliament would be seated in Cork, the capital. 'Be parliament would consist of a single chamber of deputies elected by the people of the province according to a system of proportional representation. The function of the parliament Would be to 1) coordinate cultural activity and economic development within its regions, 2) initiate and promote legislation for its social, economic and cultural development, 3) coordinate the development of third-level education, and 4) collect taxes.

In order to maximize the concept of devolved government, Munster would include within its geographic boundary four clearly defined regions, namely, North Munster, South Munster, East Munster and Greater Cork. Each region would be administered by a regional board consisting of 1) representatives of district councils from within the region, and 2) expert representatives appointed by the provincial parliament. These boards would be responsible for administering the criminal justice system and for establishing, promoting and coordinating their own social, economic and cultural programs.

Within each region, clearly defined districts would be established. North Munster would have eight, South Munster nine, East Munster five and Greater Cork two. Each district, which would have a population of between 10,000 and 40,000 people, would be administered by a district council. District councils will be responsible for 1) primary and secondary education, 2) public works and local planning, 3) welfare and social services and 4) recreational development.

Voluntary community councils will be established at the local level to pursue local-level issues.

MAP OF NEW MUNSTER