Taoiseach visits Limerick for first meeting of Mayoral Forum

THE FIRST meeting of the Limerick Mayoral and Government Consultative Forum saw Taoiseach Micheál Martin visit for the inaugural event.

Labelling the meeting a “very significant moment”, the Taoiseach spoke of numerous matters prior to the forum at Limerick City and County Council offices, located at Merchant’s Quay.

An announcement of almost €6.5m in government funding for construction to start on a mixed tenure scheme at Knockhill, Ennis Road, Limerick was also made on the day by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.

Other topics discussed during the Taoiseach’s visit included the latest on the US-imposed tariffs on pharmaceuticals, the Minister for Health meeting the late Aoife Johnston’s family this week and a proposal for modular homes for the next Ryder Cup, taking place in Adare, Co Limerick in 2027. 

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Speaking about the forum, however, which was attended by Mayor John Moran, Minister James Browne and Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, the Taoiseach said he was “delighted to chair this inaugural gathering”.

“Today’s forum has a number of important items for discussion that impact the on the lives of the people of Limerick, including housing and regional growth,” he said.

“This forum will provide an invaluable mechanism for central government to engage with the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, Ireland’s first directly elected mayor, on the various opportunities and challenges facing the region.”

Established under the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024, the Consultative Forum will play 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.

“The forum itself is a significant democratic innovation in terms of engagement between central and local government, and I look forward to working with the Mayor and Limerick City and County Council through this structure,” said Minister Browne.

“Today’s forum agenda featured a wide range of policy areas for discussion, including regional growth, housing delivery, and local government reform. 

“On behalf of central government, my Department will play a leading role in coordinating and facilitating the work of the Forum, and I believe that the people of Limerick will benefit from the collaboration it allows for”. 

The forum will also advise and make recommendations on the future development of the role, including any new and additional functions, and funding, for assignment to the Mayor. 

In addition, the forum will review and advise on how the new Mayoral functions and office structures are operating. 

Mayor John Moran said: “To keep progressing our actions contained within the Mayoral Programme, regularly meeting with members of Government will be key. 

“I also got to identify key projects which need to be unblocked. I welcome the commitment of An Taoiseach and other Ministers and government bodies, which will help us to find ways to drive forward in housing and other key areas. 

“With challenges come great opportunities and with this forum we have the chance to continue to build momentum for our vision for a more liveable, more prosperous and more, healthy Limerick.” 

Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, added that he is looking forward to “engaging with and supporting this forum to maximise its potential for the people of Limerick”.