Press release
Min. O’Donnell welcomes the passage of landmark Mayor of Limerick legislation through Dáil Éireann
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 for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell, has welcomed the passing by Dáil Éireann of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023.
This marks another important stage on the way to allowing the people of Limerick city and county to directly elect a mayor with significant powers.
The Bill will now proceed to Seanad Éireann very early in the new year for consideration.
Minister O’Donnell said:
"I am delighted to have brought the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 through Report and Final Stages in the Dáil - a significant milestone in this historic reform of Local Government in Limerick and in the state."
The Minister expressed gratitude to the many people who have contributed to the development and passage of the Bill, adding:
“This legislation provides the Mandate, Structures and Means to deliver on the ambition of the office of the first directly elected Mayor of Limerick. It affords a major opportunity for Limerick to forge an enhanced local government. There is huge potential to develop service delivery and accountability locally, and to add value for all the people of Limerick.
“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 host of new functions, supported by a budget to implement the mayor’s programme and priorities."
Minister O’Donnell concluded:
“I am looking forward to further discussion on the detail of the Bill when it begins its passage through Seanad Éireann very early in the New Year, followed by what I expect will be a stimulating public debate in advance of the election to directly elect a Mayor of Limerick next June.”
The Bill also makes provision for holding of plebiscites in other local authority areas on the question of whether to hold an election to directly elect a mayor.
Cabinet decided in July 2023 that the election will be held on the same date as the Local and European elections in 2024, on a date between 6-9 June 2024.