Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
1079. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the election for the directly elected mayor of Limerick will take place; the steps taken to establish the office of the directly elected mayor; if new legislation is required; if so, the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11298/20]
View answerThe Local Government Act 2019 requires the Minister to submit to the Oireachtas a report with legislative proposals for a directly elected mayor for Limerick, within two years of the plebiscite vote, which took place on 24 May 2019. Notwithstanding the legislative requirements, it is my intention that the first election for Directly Elected Mayor should take place during 2021, and my Department is working towards that ambitious timeline.
Work is ongoing both within my Department and in consultation with other relevant Departments to analyse all legislation conferring functions and powers on local authorities to inform the required report and legislative proposals.
An Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) has also been established in Limerick, under the independent chairmanship of Mr. Tim O’Connor. Its members include representatives of the main stakeholders in Limerick City & County, including elected members and representatives of business, community, academic and student interests.
The IAG's focus has been on the scope of the role of the new directly elected mayor, particularly in a Limerick context, to help ensure that local government is enhanced in Limerick through the direct election of a mayor. The work of the IAG has continued during the current COVID-19 restrictions and I expect its final report over the summer.
