“The need to put in place more effective local government arrangements for the Limerick area has been widely accepted for some time,” said Mr John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, today (18 February 2010). The Limerick Local Government Committee, which I am establishing under the chairmanship of Mr Denis Brosnan, is being tasked to advise me on the most appropriate solution.” The Minister was speaking after meeting the Chair of the Committee, Mr Denis Brosnan.
The Committee, established under local government legislation, has been asked to prepare a report into the most appropriate arrangements for local government for the city and county of Limerick. It will examine various options, including boundary changes, the creation of a unified city and county authority, and alternative arrangements to share and/or coordinate functions, administration and leadership between the city and county authorities. The Committee is being established in the context of Government consideration of the White Paper on Local Government.
Mr Denis Brosnan, also chairs the Task Force on the Mid West, which is leading the response to the economic downturn in the Mid West. The other members of the Committee are Mr Maurice Carr, Mr John Cullen, Mr Brendan Tuohy and Ms Michelle Wilson.
The Committee will conduct a public consultation process to ensure that all stakeholders have an opportunity to express their views and perspectives to the Committee.
“A more appropriate system of governance needs to be put in place in Limerick if the city and region are to perform as a strong centre as envisaged in the National Spatial Strategy,” said Minister Gormley. “Greater local government coherence will also assist the major regeneration efforts which are currently underway.”
“I hope the Committee can conclude its work in a short number of months and I look forward to receiving the Committee’s report and recommendations,” concluded the Minister.