INDEPENDENT Ireland councillor Tommy Hartigan has issued a renewed call for “more meaningful” community consultation before Limerick City and County Council commences works or projects in local towns and villages.
Speaking following January’s Municipal District meeting, Cllr Hartigan said the issue has “arisen several times during my short term in office” around communities “feeling lost, confused, and completely in the dark about the future of their own areas”.
Cllr Hartigan referenced specifically the former Bank of Ireland building in Askeaton, saying that “once again, the community is hearing whispers and rumours without any clear communication from the Council”.
“It’s going to be a library, its going to be a white elephant in the town, people need clarity now not at the councils leisure.”
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
Cllr Hartigan added that he has received similar calls from communities in Kildimo, Pallaskenry, and Loughill, where residents asked, ‘What are the Council doing at the cross?’ or ‘What works are starting here?’
“We cannot simply walk into these communities and dictate what’s best for them,” Cllr Hartigan claimed.
“I’ve sat through hundreds of hours of meetings where experienced councillors and senior staff highlight how Dublin often imposes its will on local authorities whether we like it or not. But now I have to ask: Are we any better if we turn around and do the same thing to our own communities?”
Cllr Hartigan emphasised that consultation is not just a courtesy, but a necessary step for building stronger, more engaged towns and villages.
“Consultation leads to participation, and participation leads to community-building inspiration,” he insisted.
“If we want thriving, confident communities, we have to involve people from the very beginning—not after the diggers arrive, if we bring people with us from the beginning and we are honest about the journey ahead, I have found they will come with you.”
Cllr Hartigan said he is calling on Limerick Council to adopt a more transparent and proactive communications approach, ensuring residents are informed early, clearly, and consistently about planned projects or changes that affect their localities.
“People deserve to know what’s happening in their own towns,” he concluded. “And they deserve to have a say.”