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Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the first Directly Elected Mayor of Limerick.
Our city and county are on the cusp of a transformative journey, one that promises to bring more opportunities, more inclusivity, and more prosperity to every corner of our community.
I am very conscious of speaking to a room, predominantly full of Corkonians, about how great Limerick is. I’m sure, come the summer, when hurling rivalrys are resumed, this would be a tougher audience....
As the first DEM of Limerick, I think its apt to start with the great Philip Monahan, Ireland’s first local authority manager, whose legacy in public service continues to inspire us.
Monahan's dedication to improving local governance and his innovative approach to city management set a standard that we strive to uphold in Limerick.
Philip Monahan, Ireland's first local authority manager, revolutionized local government through his innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to public service. I think we can follow his lead, in today’s modern Ireland.
I’m in this role, currently, for five years. Monahan’s tenure in Cork, where he served as City Manager for 35 years, was marked by significant achievements, including the initiation of a new housing programme, the eradication of slums, and the creation of the differential rent system. I don’t know where he got his drive, but I’d like to think we can make some changes in the time I have in Limerick. In Limerick, we think we have a “different kind of energy” - A place that embraces visitors, while maintaining its edge, allowing us to be welcoming, but also able to stand up for ourselves and shout for what is ours.
Especially at those west of the Shannon, as we look to decentralise Ireland.
Monahan's work set high standards of probity and integrity in public administration, defining the role of City Manager and the practice of public management in Ireland
Monahan faced numerous challenges during his career, many of which resonate with the issues Limerick faces today. One of his primary challenges was addressing the housing crisis, a problem that persists in modern times. Monahan's innovative housing programme and slum eradication efforts were groundbreaking, providing affordable and sustainable housing solutions for the community.
Similarly, Limerick's current administration is focused on increasing the availability of affordable housing and retrofitting existing homes with energy-efficient technologies and the design and build of modular homes, some of which will be on display this very May in the City, to ensure sustainability.
Another significant challenge Monahan encountered was promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to support marginalized groups and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect.
This commitment to social inclusion is mirrored in Limerick's current efforts to enhance support services for the elderly, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. By working closely with local organizations, Limerick aims to build a community where everyone feels valued and included, much like Monahan's vision for Cork.
Economic prosperity was also a key focus for Monahan, who sought to diversify the local economy and create opportunities for growth
His efforts to attract new businesses and support local enterprises laid the foundation for a thriving community. Today, Limerick continues this legacy by focusing on key sectors such as technology, tourism, and creative industries. By investing in skills development and training programmes, Limerick aims to equip its workforce with the tools needed to succeed in a rapidly changing economy, ensuring that prosperity is shared across the entire community.
Improved Quality of Life and Placemaking
My first priority is to enhance the quality of life for all residents. We will invest in public spaces, parks, and recreational facilities, ensuring that every neighbourhood has access to safe and beautiful environments. This includes the development of new green spaces, the enhancement of existing parks, and the creation of pedestrian-friendly zones. By improving our infrastructure and amenities, we aim to create a city that is not only liveable but also lovable. We will also focus on improving public transport, making it more efficient and accessible, thereby reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable mobility. For instance, we plan to increase the number of public parks by 20% and expand our cycling lanes by 15% over the next five years.
Social Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
Limerick's strength lies in its diversity. We are committed to promoting social inclusion and ensuring that every resident, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities to thrive. This means supporting community initiatives, enhancing educational programmes, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. We will work closely with local organisations to provide support services for marginalised groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. Our goal is to build a community where everyone feels valued and included. Currently, 12% of our population is over 65, and we aim to increase support services for the elderly by 25%.
Affordable and Sustainable Housing
Housing is a fundamental right, and we are dedicated to increasing the availability of affordable and sustainable housing options. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, we will address the housing crisis and ensure that everyone has a place to call home.
This includes the construction of new affordable housing units, the renovation of existing properties, and the implementation of green building practices to ensure sustainability. We will also work to streamline the planning and approval processes to accelerate the delivery of housing projects. Our target is to build 1,500 new affordable homes by 2029 and retrofit 500 existing homes with energy-efficient technologies.
Add that we have recently appointed a new head of Housing for Limerick. (Brian Kennedy) Whose energy will bring our new focus in line with our new development plan.
Economic Prosperity
A prosperous Limerick is one where economic growth benefits all. We will continue to diversify our economy, attracting new businesses and supporting local enterprises. Our goal is to create a fairer distribution of investments, ensuring that prosperity is shared across the entire community. We will focus on key sectors such as technology, tourism, and creative industries, providing incentives for businesses to set up and grow in Limerick. Additionally, we will invest in skills development and training programmes to equip our workforce with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. Over the next five years, we aim to create 5,000 new jobs and increase our GDP by 10%.
For the third year on the trot, Limerick City and County Council has come out a major winner at the FDI European and Regions of the Future Awards.
The local authority scooped up the top awards in the FDI Strategy and Human Capital and Lifestyle categories. Limerick placed third in the Economic Potential and Business Friendliness categories and took second place in the FDI Micro European Cities of the Future category, the top award at the competition.
Reimagining the City Centre and Key Towns
Our city centre and key towns are the heartbeats of our community. We will revitalise these areas, making them hubs of economic activity and community engagement. By reimagining our urban spaces, we will create vibrant, dynamic environments that attract visitors and residents alike. This includes the redevelopment of underutilised areas, the promotion of cultural and artistic activities, and the enhancement of public spaces to make them more inviting and accessible. We will also work to improve the connectivity between the city centre and surrounding towns, ensuring that the benefits of revitalisation are felt throughout the region. Our goal is to increase foot traffic in the city centre by 30% and boost local business revenues by 20%.
In conclusion, as we honour the legacy of Philip Monahan, let us be inspired by his vision and dedication to public service. Together, we can build a Limerick that is inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant—a city where everyone can thrive. Thank you.