I’m pleased to have engaged in a constructive and positive meeting with Minister of State at the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O’ Connor TD, in my offices in Limerick this week.
We had an important discussion on how national policy and local leadership can continue to align to deliver fairer health outcomes for our communities. This follows our bilateral discussions at the World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting in Turkiye back in June, where Limerick was given accreditation to the WHO’s European Healthy Cities and Counties Network.
A key focus of our conversation was the ongoing work of the Limerick Health Equity Region Oversight Group, which I am co-chairing with Sandra Broderick of HSE Mid West.
This collaborative structure is already playing an important role in ensuring that health inequality in Limerick is not treated as an abstract concept, but as a practical challenge that can be addressed through strong action and strong partnerships.
We also reviewed the progress of A More Healthy Limerick, one of the three pillars of the More for Limerick mayoral programme 2024-2029.
Limerick has a determination to put health equity at the heart of our future development and I was pleased to be assured of the Minister and the Government’s continued support for Limerick in that regard. There is already excellent work being undertaken by our own Healthy Ireland team within our Urban & Rural Community Development Department.
I was particularly pleased that Senator Dee Ryan joined us for this meeting. Her understanding of the lived experience of communities across Limerick added real value to the discussion.
I want to thank the Minister’s officials too who travelled for the discussions.
As Mayor, I remain committed to ensuring that health equality remains a core priority for our city and county.
I am pleased that we are continuing to make slow but steady progress in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has equal health opportunity in Limerick.
