Limerick City and County Council CEO, Dr. Pat Daly.
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DIRECTOR General of Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), Dr Pat Daly has hit back at comments made by Mayor John Moran on local radio.
In the interview with broadcaster Joe Nash, the Mayor gave an overview of the timeline which led to him handing over Christmas in Limerick to Dr Daly. During his time on air, Limerick’s first citizen said that outside of Christmas plans, he had also sent back proposals during his time in office which he did not feel were “good enough”.
“I believe in looking after public money, as I think everyone does, but it’s a question of higher standards,” Mayor Moran said during the 20-minute interview.
He also took aim at a short list of proposals for Christmas in Limerick which were submitted to him with no figures attached on how the budget of €200,000 would be spent. Mayor Moran took the view that he was elected to introduce higher standards at LCCC.
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In an internal Council circulation, seen by the Limerick Post, Dr Pat Daly assured council members and staff that he had listened to Wednesday morning’s Live 95 interview and fully understood and shared the sense of disappointment that some of the Mayor’s remarks have caused.
“While it is natural to feel disheartened, it’s important that we focus our energy on what we do best, that is, serving our community with professionalism, integrity, and pride. Let’s move forward together and continue to demonstrate the commitment and resilience that have defined this organisation through a period of significant change,” Dr Daly commented.
“Since June 2024, Limerick City and County Council has undergone a radical transformation. We are pioneers in this space, setting an example for local government nationally. Many of you have taken on additional responsibilities, often at short notice, and have done so with great professionalism and a can-do attitude. Please know that your efforts are seen and deeply appreciated.
“The management team is here to support you as we continue to learn and adapt. We remain committed to maintaining a positive, respectful, and productive working environment.
“As we prepare our Budget for 2026, this is a good moment to take stock and remind ourselves of the importance of pulling together in the same direction.
“Each of us plays a key role in delivering a better Limerick, for those who live here, work here, invest here, and visit our city and county.
“Thank you again for your continued professionalism and dedication.”
When contacted for comment on this latest debacle, Independent councillor Ursula Gavan took the view that the Mayor’s interview on Limerick 95 was unwise. But, she too felt that the response by the Director-General via an email to all staff was also unwise.
“Unfortunately, Limerick is the ultimate loser in this clash of words, personalities and behaviour. Both men I believe have different views on the best running of the council but this public discord is affecting the executive, councillors, staff and the public they are there to serve,” Cllr Gavan told the Limerick Post.
“Airing grievances in public is poor practice and I would urge both sides to meet with the executive, councillors and staff and have a frank and honest conversation on how we can best move forward.”
Cllr Maria Donoghue (IND) said she was deeply disappointed that the Mayor and the Executive are so publicly at odds.
“The success of Limerick’s ambitious new model of local government depends on genuine partnership and constructive cooperation between both offices. Without the vast experience and knowledge of local government working in conjunction with the Mayor, implementing this new model becomes an even greater challenge, and the potential of this groundbreaking initiative is being put at serious risk,” Cllr Donoghue opined.
She continued: “Limerick has enormous potential. This unique opportunity — the only one of its kind in the State — should serve as a model for progress in our communities. Instead, division and poor communication are undermining what should be a transformative moment for the city and county. It is sad that this conflict is being played out in public, where it only serves to distract from the real work that Limerick needs. The seeds of this division were sown by some who resented the outcome of the mayoral election in June 2024, and once again, Limerick is paying the price for such tribalism.
“The relationship between the Mayor and the Executive must be rebuilt urgently — not for personal or political reasons, but because the people of Limerick deserve better. Strong leadership, accountability, and mutual respect are essential if this new system of local democracy is to succeed. Limerick does not need leadership that fights against itself.”
At the time of going to print, Mayor John Moran said he was “giving it a bit more thought” before formally responding.
