Minister Burke Launches Report on Limerick Mayor

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke TD has this afternoon launched the pre-legislative scrutiny report on the legislation which will introduce a Democratically Elected Mayor for Limerick, carried out by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Minister Burke thanked the Committee for their careful consideration of the issue and their commitment to this important local government reform.

“It is clear from the report that the Committee fully appreciates the significance of establishing a directly elected mayor with executive functions as head of Limerick City and County Council. I know we all agree that this is a major reform of local government and that we must make the most of that reform. I am pleased to note that the Committee supports the principle of empowering the mayor, both in functions and in funding, and your commitment to the all-important principle of means commensurate with mandate. I share these goals and am working hard to this end with my officials and ministerial colleagues in other departments.”

Minister Burke outlined that he will now consider how best to incorporate the recommendations of the Committee’s report into the General Scheme and stated that it was his hope that many of the recommendations will be reflected in the Bill before publication.

Minister Burke concluded by thanking the Committee again for their work.

“Drafting of the legislation continues to progress, and it is my hope that it can be published and passed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible. The date for an election will be set by government.”

Ends