Fresh date revealed for review of Limerick's mayoral legislation
Minister of State says evaluation of Limerick's historic role will now not take place until next year
A REVIEW into the legislation which underpins the role of Limerick’s directly elected mayor will not take place until next year.
That’s according to the Minister of State in the Government department which will initiate the evaluation.
Christopher O’Sullivan, who is in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, made the comments when he addressed members of Seanad Eireann.
“As part of the review, the minister shall consult with the mayor, Limerick City and County Council, the consultative forum and other appropriate people. On the completion of the review, the Minister shall make a report to each house of the Oireachtas on its findings,” confirmed Mr O’Sullivan.
He added it will commence “in mid-2027 and there will be full consultation”.
The Cork Fianna Fail TD’s comments appear to go against remarks made by An Tanaiste Simon Harris, the Fine Gael leader, when he was in Limerick last month.
Here, Mr Harris said a review into the legislation would commence “shortly”.
It’s widely accepted the roles of responsibility in the legislation between Mayor John Moran and council director general, Dr Pat Daly are poorly defined.
It’s part of the reason why there has been rows during Limerick’s first 18 months with a directly elected first citizen.
It was Independent Dublin senator Victor Boyhan who asked about the review in the Upper House.
He said: “Addressing this issue would be helpful for the people of Limerick and the staff of the city and county council. I acknowledge the director general of the council - he is the only director general of a local authority - and the challenges in his work.”
He acknowledged change can often bring “tension,” but added “that is a good thing”.
Mr Harris’s visit to Limerick last month came after an extraordinary statement written by Mayor Moran.
In a blog post on his website, the first citizen suggested some members of Limerick City and County Council were plotting to ensure his role is “unbearable”.
He also accused members of exploiting his early exit through illness from a meeting to push a document through against his will.
Talks were held with Mayor Moran and An Tanaiste after this.