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Irish Times
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Times
‘Fight for us in the communities': Views on ‘rocky' first year of Limerick mayor
St Munchin's Community Centre is buzzing with activity as chief executive Linda Ledger greets locals while leading The Irish Times on a tour last week. Services on offer to deprived communities on Limerick's northside at the centre include social enterprises such as a hairdressers and florist; maternity clinics; training courses; a community cafe; and a Meals-on-Wheels service. 'Everybody and their mother comes through the doors. We're filling all the cracks left by the State,' Ledger says. However, Government funding administered by Limerick City and County Council as part of the city's regeneration programme – which has helped keep the lights on at the centre – has declined in recent times. READ MORE There is concern that there appears to be no tangible stream of funding to replace it, and Ledger wants to know what Limerick's mayor, John Moran, will do about it. A 2019 plebiscite saw Limerick vote to have a directly elected mayor. Moran – a former Department of Finance secretary general turned independent politician – is the first holder of the office having been elected last June. He has launched an ambitious mayoral programme but his first 12 months has also often seen him at loggerheads with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil councillors. Ledger refers to these tensions, saying she has 'huge concern' that the mayor and the councillors are 'taking the eye off the ball' as a result. She says her centre currently gets €70,000 from the diminishing regeneration fund. She is not against doing more fundraising herself but also says she feels Moran should 'fight for us in the communities'. Linda Ledger, chief executive of St Munchins Community Centre in Moyross and local residen Kieran Ring. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times 'We are fighting for that,' the mayor insists in response. Moran says this can be seen in his lobbying of Government Ministers for almost €5 billion in funding for Limerick as part of the review of the National Development Plan (NDP) but also as he looks for funding for the local authority from the national budget each year. Ledger has been 'doing some great work through the previous regeneration funding'. 'The Government is phasing that out as we understand it. Do we want it to be back in exactly the same format? Or do we want actually a more holistic envelope of money given to Limerick, which the mayor and the council can actually distribute where they believe it should be spent? 'That's what I've been arguing for.' He says St Munchin's needs support for its 'very desirable programmes' and indicates this could come through the annual budgetary process. Moran is positive about his first year in office, saying the highlight is that 'the stuff that we've been waiting for years to happen in Limerick is now kick-started'. He cites progress on proposals for housing development in the city, Government approval for the Opera Square office development, and the expectation that the Adare bypass road will be ready in time for the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup golf tournament. Last month Moran revealed his almost €5 billion in NDP asks, saying they are 'not wish lists' but 'catalysts for growth' in Limerick, the Midwest and nationally. Included in over €2 billion sought for housing is €600 million for his centrepiece 'Smart Homes' initiative aimed at delivering 1,000 modular units. These would provide homes as permanent housing solutions, such as the Land Development Agency's (LDA) long-planned Colbert Quarter development, which is under construction. There is another €2 billion sought for transport projects across the city and county including roads and a rail link to Shannon Airport. Aside from the big funding requests, Moran has a mayoral fund of around €40 million to be allocated over his five-year term. He suggests that if a 'proper mayoral fund' of perhaps 'a couple of hundred million' was available to him, 'I don't think we would have had any bickering [with councillors], because we'd have had a bit more money to be able to drive more projects.' [ Mayor's plans for Limerick: Modular homes and fashion museum among proposals Opens in new window ] So how do others view how the mayor's first year has gone? Labour Party TD Conor Sheehan – who also contested the mayoral election – says: 'Obviously some people love change and others don't. From my point of view what has been useful is that the mayor has brought political focus to areas where Limerick is lacking investment – particularly housing.' He also says 'we're the only city in Ireland who has this [directly elected mayor]' and 'we need to prove that this can work'. Michelle Gallagher, chief executive of Limerick Chamber of Commerce. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times Michelle Gallagher, the chief executive of Limerick Chamber of Commerce, says the first year has been 'rocky' but adds: 'We're seeing wins that are coming through.' The chamber wants to see 'more prosperity', 'more housing' and a 'revitalisation' of Limerick city centre from the remaining four years of Moran's term. Independent councillor Maria Donoghue says she agrees with a lot of the strategic proposals in Moran's mayoral programme. She is of the view that 'a lot of energy has gone into defending his position [from critics of the main parties] which is a waste really of the first year', while saying he has 'got certain things over the line'. Proposing Limerick Council's budget each November is a key power of the mayor but the backing of councillors is still needed. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil resistance saw the failure of proposals – supported by Moran – to raise commercial rates by 4 per cent. Even before this, there was a delay in getting his draft mayoral programme approved as councillors sought more time to allow for more workshops on the plans. Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary claimed at the time that Moran's draft programme was like 'a wish list for Christmas from Santy'. [ Limerick Mayor eyes introduction of hotel tax to fund tourism offerings Opens in new window ] Keary stands by his 'Santy' comments, saying he viewed the document as 'aspirational' and there was a need for projects that were 'shovel ready'. 'He [Moran] thinks up all these ideas but he doesn't discuss them with the body of the council. He's a very smart, intelligent man by all means – don't get me wrong – but he's not working with the parties,' says Keary, adding that it was 'disappointing'. Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Collins expresses a hope for improved relations, saying: 'We all need to start working together for the betterment of Limerick.' He adds: 'The mayor will have to realise that the two main parties in Limerick are the majority in the council.' Keary, meanwhile, who represents the rural Adare-Rathkeale district, contends that the mayor 'needs to show more interest in the county [outside the city]'. Moran responds to this by saying: 'If he thinks that he should just look at the NDP asks, and he'll realise that they're not all in the city centre.' He lists several plans for rural parts of Limerick including places such as Kilmallock, Newcastle West and Adare. 'It would have been absolutely amazing to have rocked up to this office and had everything shovel ready ... but that's not what I inherited from the previous council.' Moran says Keary is a political opponent who 'probably wants his team to win the mayoral role in five years' time'. In terms of working with the main parties, Moran sets out a preference for engagement through the councillor holding the Príomh Chomhairleoir office. Issues that arise could be debated in the council's policy committees. He concedes this 'does not seem to be the choice of the council'. Adrian Power, chair of Moyross Partners Group and family support co-ordinator of Corpus Christi Child and Family Centre. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times Adrian Power is the chairman of Moyross Partners and he works as a family support co-ordinator in the heart of the disadvantaged community. He says he has some sympathy for Moran amid tensions in the council but 'what we can see from the outside looking in' is 'just complete division'. He says while this is happening communities such as Moyross are 'in real danger of going backwards'. There was dismay when a planned development of 78 homes at Pineview Gardens that had community support – and seemed on the verge of happening – was delayed by a design review Moran had promised of wider plans for Moyross. It is among a series of such reviews by firms of architects Moran hopes will help set parameters for private and public housing on development sites in Limerick. Power says there are now proposals for an additional 40 homes at Pineview Gardens, and another 110 nearby, and while 'we're not necessarily against it' there are concerns of pressure on school and creche places. Moran says every new mayor or minister looks at plans 'to see if it still makes sense'. He says he met the community and their concern was a 'desperate need of housing'. He argues the 'scheme they were looking at wasn't going to deliver'. He says there are now plans for new roads, a train station and other infrastructure in Moyross. While the area 'is potentially going to get hundreds of homes', Moran says he will 'absolutely' be pushing for delivery of facilities such as schools alongside. Under Government plans Limerick City is to grow by 50,000 people from the current 100,000. 'You cannot do that iteratively and by chance,' says Moran. 'You have to develop a large and thoughtful master plan.' Uniquely in Ireland, the people of Limerick will have a chance to decide on his success or otherwise of his plan in the next mayoral election due in 2029. Moran will 'of course' seek a second term.
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Limerick launches ‘twilight' initiative to boost night-time economy
Limerick council is launching a new 'twilight' initiative to boost the night-time economy, starting from this Thursday. Twilight Thursdays will run on the last Thursday of every month, offering a mix of family-friendly fun, live music, food and drink experiences, as well as cultural showcases. Presented by Limerick City and County Council, the initiative is designed to energise the city's night-time economy and cultural life, and invite locals and visitors alike to explore the city after dark in 'a safe, welcoming' atmosphere. A number of bars and restaurants are offering a range of food and drink offers on Twilight Thursday. Limerick City is one of nine locations selected to participate in the national Night Time Economy pilot programme, which is supported and funded by the Department of Culture. Mayor of Limerick John Moran said the initiative was all about 'reimagining Limerick after dark'. 'This initiative is about more than just one Thursday a month, it's a movement to showcase Limerick's incredible culture, energy, and the ability to do things differently. We want people to embrace the opportunity to support local businesses, meet friends, and above all, enjoy themselves. Whether you're discovering a new venue, enjoying live music, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Twilight Thursdays will undoubtedly improve our city's night-time offering. Let's make this a tradition that brings our community together.' Night-time economy adviser at Limerick City and County Council, Craig Power, said: 'Twilight Thursdays marks an important step in reimagining Limerick's night-time offering. We encourage everyone to take part in this first edition and look forward to building on its success with even more exciting offerings in the months ahead.'
Irish Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Limerick Mayor eyes introduction of hotel tax to fund tourism offerings
Limerick Mayor John Moran has sought the Government's blessing to introduce a hotel tax or levy in line with fundraising abilities of other European cities with directly elected mayors. Mr Moran, who assumed the unprecedented office last June , has argued for the move even when other local authorities may not pursue a similar financial mechanism. The concept of a hotel or tourism levy – typically explained as a modest tax paid by visitors to support local amenities – has often proven contentious. Dublin's four local authorities are due to examine how such a levy might work, while the hotel industry has pushed back. Although Mr Moran did not specify an approach, he has signalled his intention to pursue the funding model as part of a broad strategy to boost Limerick's economy and tourism offerings. READ MORE [ Modular homes among Mayor's plans for Limerick Opens in new window ] [ Limerick mayor lobbied for €2bn of Apple cash Opens in new window ] Under his tenure, Limerick has created a designated activity company to drive investment. 'Ongoing support for that company is essential for those assets to reach their full potential,' he explained in a letter to Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke, a copy of which was obtained under Freedom of Information. 'To this end, as a policy matter, we would welcome an opportunity to engage with you and your officials about the possibility of introducing a tourism/hotel tax or levy in Limerick as a devolved authority even if other local authorities would prefer not to progress on that route.' The mayor argued that many European city-regions with similarly elected mayors have been granted such 'specific and important local fund raising power which permits ongoing investment in tourism amenities locally'. Taoiseach Micheál Martin requested that all Government departments engage with the Office of the Mayor of Limerick to seek its views as part of the current review of the National Development Plan (NDP). Last year, more than 2.2 million people from more than 200 countries visited Limerick's official tourism site. Mr Moran's correspondence set out a detailed plan for various developments that would boost both regional tourism and the local economy. Noting the county's proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way, and Ireland's immensely successful marketing of the west coast, he said it was anxious to broaden its offerings, exploiting the appeal of minority sports, such as cricket, and cross-over sectors including food tourism. Projects pitched to Mr Burke for inclusion in the NDP, at a combined overall estimated cost to the State of more than €200 million, included the restoration of King John's Castle, arguably the city's most prominent heritage site. The concept includes revealing more of the 13th-century building's features alongside the development of new visitor amenities and interpretive exhibits. 'King John's Castle will be a flagship tourism attraction, acting as a catalyst for urban regeneration on King's Island, facilitating SME growth and job creation, significantly boosting Limerick's capacity to attract domestic and international visitors,' he said. The document also cites ambitions for the redevelopment of the Limerick milk market as a seven-day food attraction; the creation of a 'premier medieval networked tourism destination', leveraging the medieval heritage of surrounding towns; and a northside park along the river Shannon.
Irish Independent
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Free events galore in Limerick for Crinniú na nÓg 2025 as the city prepares to burst with colour
As Ireland's national day of free creativity for children and young people, these free events promises something for everyone aged 0 to 18. Organised by Limerick City and County Council in partnership with Creative Ireland and RTÉ, this year's programme is packed with workshops, performances, and hands-on experiences. From a 48-hour film challenge and sock puppet storytime, to printmaking, pop art portraits at the Hunt Museum, and circus arts exploration, the event spans all Limerick Municipal Districts. Budding musicians can join the Irish Chamber Youth Orchestra for workshops and a concert, while young audiences can enjoy inclusive screenings, autism-friendly workshops, and a special showing of Sing Street alongside local short films. 'It will be these young people, future generations and their children who will benefit the most from the seeds we are now sowing,' said Mayor of Limerick, John Moran. 'We are proud to support such a diverse range of activities that highlight the vibrant cultural landscape of Limerick.' Local councillor Dan McSweeney echoed the excitement, urging young people to dive in: 'Ireland is the only country in the world to have a national day dedicated to celebrating young people's creativity.'
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Limerick mayor signs off on development of council-owned land to 'revitalise' Moyross
Limerick mayor John Moran has signed off on plans to build 73 residential units and 42 apartments and develop a medical facility on land owned by the council. Cluid Housing and Whitebox have been given approval to use the land in a joint venture after they emerged as the successful bidders to develop the site, which will be known as 'Greenhills'. In 2023, elected members granted a Section 183, which led to a planning application for the mixed-use development on the site being granted in 2024. The development will include: 73 residential units; 42 two-bed apartments; A drive-through pharmacy; A coffee shop; A convenience store; And a day centre. Additionally, a nursing home with 90 beds and a new ambulatory medical facility will be developed. According to the mayor's office, a contractor has been identified and work is expected to begin shortly. This comes as the mayoral programme set for 2024 to 2029 includes revitalising the Moyross area — and activating public lands for housing 'more quickly'. An image of what the project could look like. Picture: Mayoral office The project will also provide a "significant jobs boost" to the northside of the city, creating employment in the area and provide upgraded medical facilities, and improved infrastructure. It will be a 'boost to affordable housing options'. Mr Moran said: 'This project is yet another of the plans in the More for Limerick programme for Moyross kicking into action, with other key ones to follow soon. I want to thank colleagues in our housing and regeneration teams, along with elected members in both the current and previous council term, for their work in getting this project shovel-ready. 'This is the moment for Moyross to begin to shape another new narrative — one of resilience, creativity and shared future — building on the progress in recent years. Onwards and upwards — more for Moyross.' Director general of the council Pat Daly, added: 'This is a game-changer for Moyross. With planning permission secured, the official disposal of this land lays the foundation for a more vibrant, healthy and sustainable community. We're looking forward to seeing the delivery of a project that aligns so closely with our vision for a thriving, equitable Limerick.' Read More Iconic music shop HMV to reopen in Limerick for first time since 2010s
