Minister Browne chairs second Limerick Mayoral and Government Consultative Forum
- Published on: 16 October 2025
- Last updated on: 16 October 2025
The second Limerick Mayoral and Government Consultative Forum took place in the Custom House, in Dublin today, Thursday, 16 October 2025.
Chaired by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, the meeting was attended by Mayor of Limerick John Moran, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell and Minister of State with special responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD.
Commenting today, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said:
“I am delighted to chair today’s meeting of the Consultative Forum, which allows for valuable exchange between central government and Mayor Moran on a range of issues in the context of Limerick, namely housing, transport and regional growth.
“The achievement of balanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and is at the heart of Project Ireland 2040. I look forward to discussions on the vision for Limerick in this overarching context.”
Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD said:
“I am delighted to see how effectively the Consultative Forum is functioning as a conduit for constructive exchange between central and local government in Limerick, particularly on matters such as the future development of Limerick and the region and how the planning system can support that.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said:
“I am glad to have the opportunity to participate in constructive consultations with the Mayor of Limerick and government colleagues today on economic growth in the region and on our shared priorities in this regard.”
Attending the meeting, Minister of State with special responsibility for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD said:
“I was delighted to attend today’s meeting of the Consultative Forum, which follows its inaugural gathering in City Hall, Limerick in March. Along with my Ministerial colleagues, I engaged with the Mayor on a range of policy priorities that seek to enhance the growth and development of Limerick and the lives of its people.”
Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities and for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD said:
“It is a pleasure to attend the Consultative Forum and to update and exchange on future priorities for Limerick. On recent visits, I’ve seen fist hand, the excellent level of work being undertaken on Transport by Limerick City and County Council.
“The county has been a national forerunner in the area of transit oriented development and I look forward to building on progress made to date.”
Mayor of Limerick John Moran said:
“I am privileged as the Mayor of Limerick to attend the Consultative Forum alongside national and regional leaders. The agenda reflects the critical priorities for Limerick – housing, innovations, sustainable transport and regional growth. Together, we are shaping a future that is inclusive, forward-thinking and rooted in the strengths of our city and the region.”
ENDS
Notes
Directly Elected Mayor for Limerick
In May 2019, the people of Limerick city and county voted in favour of a proposal for a directly elected Mayor with executive functions.
Following his election, John Moran became the first directly elected Mayor in Ireland and took up office on 14 June 2024, taking on a range of executive functions, at a strategic or policy level, in a range of areas, including strategic development, housing and building, road transport and safety, and environmental services.
Limerick Mayoral and Government Consultative Forum
The Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024 provides for the establishment of new governance arrangements and structures, including a Limerick Mayoral and Government Consultative Forum, which will meet twice yearly, and consists of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (as Chair), other Ministers of the Government and the Mayor.
The Forum will consider and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to:
- Issues arising from the establishment of the office of Mayor or the operation of the Act,
- Additional functions to be conferred to facilitate the effective operation of the office of Mayor,
- The impact for Limerick of proposed legislation or Government policy,
- Any other matter relating to Limerick City and County Council, and
- The funding of Limerick City and County Council for the purpose of these matters.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provides secretarial and administrative support services for the Consultative Forum, along with advice or research services, as necessary.
Established under the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024, the Consultative Forum plays a key role in facilitating engagement between the Mayor and national government, in particular on proposed legislation and government policy initiatives and its impacts for Limerick.
