Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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729. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans for a plebiscite to allow for a directly elected mayor in Sligo town. [26053/19]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to consider the issue of directly elected mayors for Ireland's cities. In this regard, following consideration and approval by Government of detailed policy proposals on directly elected mayors with executive functions, plebiscites were held on the Government's proposals in Cork City, Limerick City and County and Waterford City and County Council areas on 24 May, 2019.

The people of the Limerick City and County Council voted in favour of the Government's proposals for a directly elected Mayor with executive functions for their area, while the people of Cork City and Waterford City and County Council areas narrowly rejected the proposals.

My Department will now prioritise the delivery of the mandate given by the people of Limerick and, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2019, a report with legislative proposals for a directly elected mayor for Limerick will be submitted to the Oireachtas.

There has been consideration of governance arrangements and the office of mayor or cathaoirleach for other local authority areas. There will be a Citizens Assembly in 2020 to consider the issue in Dublin. The position regarding other local authority areas will be kept under review.