The introduction of directly elected Mayors should be a catalyst for change, not a mandate for more of the same
The proposed powers for the directly elected Mayor of Limerick do not go far enough, according to the Social Democrats Local Government Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan was commenting after the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage launched a report today on the legislation that provides for a directly elected Mayor for Limerick City and County.
Deputy O’Callaghan, a member of the Oireachtas Housing Committee, said:
“The introduction of directly elected Mayors should be a catalyst for change, not a mandate for more of the same. Directly elected Mayors must be empowered to lead change at a local level.
“The powers and functions of the directly elected Mayor should be in line with successful models in other countries. These include things like transport, planning, health, climate adaptation and mitigation measures, and the oversight of housing and regeneration strategies. I want the Bill changed to provide for these powers.
“While it is welcome to see progress on a directly elected Mayor for Limerick, we now need to see progress on a directly elected Mayor of Dublin. There is no reason why that plebiscite couldn’t be held next year. That would allow for the election of the new Mayor to be held with the local and European elections in 2024.”
16 November, 2021
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