by Tom McCullough and Alan Jacques
news@limerickpost.ie
STRONGER powers and functions for a Democratically Elected Mayor of Limerick have been recommended by a report into the legislation required to establish the position.
The report, published this week by the Housing and Local Government Committee, concluded that the legislation should ensure a strong and meaningful role for the Directly Elected Mayor (DEM).
It also recommend the provision of funding and revenue-raising powers. This would include an annual block grant and access to a special sub-fund to be created through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.
The Mayor should also have the power to select and appoint all staff members and the power to reassign the responsibilities of the Directors of Service in the City and County Council.
Green Party councillor Saša Novak, who was a member of the Implementation Advisory Group on the DEM, said she welcomed the recommendations as legislation was needed to ensure a strong and meaningful role for the elected Mayor.
“As a member of the Advisory Group, I was very proud of the hard work we put into it to get a strong Mayor with a revenue-raising ability, who could deliver the progress and the development that Limerick deserves.
“It was very disappointing to see the extreme reduction of that ambition for Limerick in the General Scheme,” she told the Limerick Post.
“I am glad to see the Report calling for significant changes to the General Scheme.”
Cllr Novak, who was quoted twice in the report, made her own submission to the Committee calling on it to respect and take into account the desire of the people of Limerick to take their future in their own hands.
“For devolution of powers to have a successful outcome, the process should be supported with greater financial autonomy and revenue raising ability. It is vital that this is provided for in the final Bill.
“It is also very important that the Mayor is able to appoint their own staff and is also able to work closely and constructively with the Director General and the Directors of Services to deliver on their vision for Limerick,” she said.
Green Party TD Brian Leddin also welcomed the publication of the report saying that Directly Elected Mayors have been a Green Party policy for decades.
“In 2019, there was a clear democratic mandate for the initiative in Limerick and we now need to move to implementation. I’ve engaged with Minister Peter Burke on this issue and I know he is committed to bringing this historic democratic change as soon as possible,” Deputy Leddin said.
Pic. Emma Jervis/ Press 22
Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan described the publishing of the Housing and Local Government Committee report as “an important milestone on the journey towards the holding of the election”.
“I hope now that the Minister will take the views of the Committee on board and ensure that any future Mayor of Limerick has sufficient powers to execute their role independently,” Deputy Quinlivan said.
“The most important thing is that the Mayor is given sufficient powers. The establishment of an elected Mayoral position in Limerick will be the forerunner to any attempt to create such an elected position in other counties.
“It is crucial that we get this right, not only for the people of Limerick but also as a beacon of what can be achieved when powers are devolved.”
Minister of State for Local Government Peter Burke said he will now consider how best to incorporate the recommendations of the Committee’s report into the General Scheme and stated that it was his hope that many of the recommendations will be reflected in the Bill before publication.
“Drafting of the legislation continues to progress, and it is my hope that it can be published and passed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible. The date for an election will then be set by government,” he concluded.
Liveable Limerick, the community group campaigning for a more people-focused city environment, say the recommendations must be introduced in full and without delay.
The group say the report reinforces why the initial provisions needed radical change, not just for Limerick but for all local authorities in Ireland.
Liveable Limerick chairman John Moran said that the new office of directly elected mayor will be the catalyst for Limerick and the Mid West region to move forward and finally reach its true potential.
“This change in local government is the most important reform and change for Limerick since Independence and the adoption of Bunreacht na hÉireann and the decision to join the EU,” Mr Moran added.
“The people of Limerick voted for more local democracy. They want the right to choose their mayor directly for themselves. They want this Mayor to have the right powers and funding and they will hold the Mayor accountable if they fail to deliver.
Mr Moran concluded: “We call on Minister Burke to ensure that the election he and two successive Governments promised for 2021 – a deadline which has been missed – will be held no later than the Spring of 2022.
“Every further week of delay is yet another a week lost for the people of Limerick. There is no time to lose. It is time to put an end to the suspended animation of our local government.”
