Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
635. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a commitment will be given to ensure that a vote on a directly elected mayor in Galway takes place in 2024 at the same time as the next local elections as supported by Programme for Government given that Galway City Council unanimously passed a motion calling for a plebiscite vote on a directly elected mayor in Galway; and the preparations for same. [19837/22]
View answerThe General Scheme of the Local Government (Directly Elected Mayor with Executive Functions in Limerick City and County) Bill 2021, published in April 2021, contains provisions necessary to allow a local authority hold a plebiscite on the topic of directly elected mayor with executive functions for their administrative area, with the plebiscite to be held in tandem with the local government elections in 2024. These provisions, if enacted, would meet the general commitment regarding plebiscites in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future. Drafting of this lengthy and complex Bill is at an advanced stage. Its publication is a priority for the Department as soon as practicable this year.
