Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 8 adds two new functions to the mayoral advisory and implementation committee at paragraphs (d) and (g) of section 32(5). These are in the areas of nature, biodiversity and sustainability and regeneration projects in Limerick. There is also some re-ordering of paragraphs. That is the technical point.

The importance of having regard to nature, biodiversity and sustainability was a recurring theme of the debate on Committee Stage. I undertook to consider whether there was a benefit to making a specific provision in the Bill to give effect to the concerns raised. I am satisfied that a clear reference to promoting, fostering and supporting conservation and restoration of nature, protecting and enhancing biodiversity and sustainably developing Limerick adds a valuable statement of intent to the role of mayor. Regeneration was another theme at committee. The regeneration of Limerick has been high on the agenda for many years, and Deputies Quinlivan and Leddin referenced it earlier in the debate. While there were already a number of references to regeneration in the Bill, I am pleased to make further explicit provision for the mayor’s role in the co-ordination of other regeneration projects in Limerick. This provision will encompass the redevelopment in Limerick city through the reporting relationship of the Limerick 2030 DAC, but will also allow the mayor to drive the Limerick regeneration framework implementation plan and any successor plans that it may have. In addition, this provision will clarify the role of the mayor in regeneration measures for Limerick county beyond what is already provided for. I ask that Members support this amendment.

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