Press release
Minister O’Donnell welcomes passage of the historic Mayor of Limerick legislation in the Oireachtas
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, Kieran O’Donnell, has welcomed the passing by the Oireachtas of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023.
Minister O’Donnell said:
“I am incredibly proud to have brought this historic legislation through the Oireachtas. It is one of the most significant reforms in local government since the foundation of the state. The Bill, once enacted, will provide the mandate, structures and means to deliver on the ambition of the office of the first directly elected Mayor of Limerick.”
Under the legislation, the directly elected mayor will take on many of the executive functions, which currently rest with the chief executive, and will also take on a range of new functions, supported by a budget to implement the Mayor’s programme and priorities.
Minister O’Donnell added:
“Having a directly elected mayor will enable the people of Limerick to have a greater say over how services and infrastructure are delivered and how Limerick develops, as they voted for by plebiscite.”
The Minister concluded:
“I would like to thank colleagues across the Oireachtas for their engagement on this landmark legislation as it progressed in both Houses as well acknowledging the extensive work of my Department officials throughout this process. Again, I would like to recognise the valuable contribution of the implementation advisory group, chaired by Tim O’Connor. Finally, I wish to acknowledge the important input of the Councillors and officials in Limerick City and County Council in developing the legislation. I, along with my Department, will continue to engage with them as we move closer to creating this historic office of a Directly Elected Mayor for Limerick.”
The Bill also makes provision for holding of plebiscites in other local authority areas on the question of whether to directly elect a Mayor.
Government has decided that the election for a directly elected Mayor of Limerick will be held on the same date as the Local and European Elections in 2024, which will be held between 6-9 June 2024.
ENDS