Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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122. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the position regarding the directly elected mayor of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38468/20]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future has a commitment to "pass legislation to allow the first directly elected mayor in Limerick to be elected in 2021".

In that regard, I have recently received and am considering the report of the Implementation Advisory Group (IAG), which was established in December 2019 to advise on how best to shape the role of the directly elected Mayor with executive functions (DEM) for Limerick.

The report sets out entirely new governance arrangements for Limerick City and County Council with the direct election of a mayor with executive functions. It details the roles and responsibilities of the new office, as well as the accountability relationships between the elected council, the Mayor and the chief executive within the new administrative framework.

The report articulates a very ambitious future vision for Limerick City and County Council with the direct election of a mayor, making recommendations for greater autonomy, devolved powers and functions, and more financial independence, which will require careful consideration across Government.

It is intended to bring the report to Government in the very near future and also to seek Government approval to begin the drafting of a general scheme of a bill to allow for the establishment of the office of directly elected Mayor in Limerick and the holding of a mayoral election in 2021, in accordance with the Programme for Government commitment.