THE newly-elected Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery (FF), wants to see investment in community and sporting facilities.
The City East poll-topper in last year’s local elections, first took her seat in the Council back in 2019.
After taking up the mantle from Fine Gael man Cllr Dan McSweeney as speaker of the house at Monday’s Council AGM, Cllr Slattery vowed to carry the responsibility with pride, determination, and humility.
A Council member with a deep and lasting commitment to youth and community development, the meeting heard, she now wants to work towards keeping Limerick communities connected and thriving.
“Unfortunately, Limerick still lacks adequate indoor and outdoor community and sporting facilities. This needs to change,” Cllr Slattery said in her opening speech as Príomh Chomhairleoir.
“We must invest in spaces that bring people together — where children can play safely, young people can develop, and all residents can feel a sense of belonging.”
Housing is another pressing issue Cllr Slattery wants to see addressed.
“We need a significant increase in the delivery of affordable homes for purchase and rental. Young people deserve the chance to stay and settle in Limerick,” she said.
“Families experiencing homelessness – particularly those with children living in hotel rooms for extended periods — deserve so much better. We must accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing with urgency and purpose.”
Cllr Slattery also had the revitalisation of the city centre on her wishlist for the year ahead.
“We want a Limerick that is bustling, vibrant, and attractive — not only to visitors, but to businesses, investors and residents,” she said.
“With that vibrancy most come safety. We need visible, consistent Garda presence on our main streets — O’Connell Street, William Street, and beyond. The people of Limerick deserve to feel secure, to shop, dine, and enjoy their city without fear. Tackling anti-social behaviour must remain a top priority.”
Slattery’s priorities, she claims, are not pipe dreams. The Fianna Fáil woman says they are realistic and achievable — if councillors and executive work together.
“Regardless of political affiliation, we are all here to serve the same purpose: to build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive Limerick,” she concluded.
