Professor Deiric Ó Broin:

There are other issues. I would interested in seeing clarity in the regional planning process, particularly around economics and spatial strategy. I would like clarity on the metropolitan area spatial plan. There is quite a bit of work to be done in that regard. This is what the future of Limerick looks like. This is the long-term planning framework. Mr. Moran highlighted the relationship between the regional assembly and the mayor. More work can be done in that regard.

Another issue relates to the power of councillors. Clarity is required on the relationship between the chair of SPCs and the mayor. If we think of the council as the corporate policymaking system, what is the relationship there? At the moment the chairs of the SPCs have influence, if not power, and can co-ordinate. The mayor is a new actor in that ecosystem so clarity on the roles of the mayor and the chairs of these committees is required, not just through the corporate policy group, which appears to be designed to help hold the mayor to account, but in terms of policymaking and councillors' role in policymaking.