A new five‑year roadmap to strengthen lifelong learning across Limerick was launched today as Learning Limerick unveiled its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 at Limerick City and County Council.
Officially launched by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, the plan sets out clear priorities to support learning as a driver of personal development, community wellbeing and workforce resilience across the city and county. The launch coincided with the opening of Learning Limerick’s annual Lifelong Learning Festival, a flagship celebration of learning at all stages of life.
The new strategy builds on the strong foundations laid by previous Learning Limerick plans in 2008 and 2017, reflecting both local experience and emerging needs. The document identifies the strategic priorities over the next five years as Promoting Lifelong Learning Opportunities, Connecting with and Hearing the Voice of Learners, Embedding Learning Limerick in the Local Lifelong Learning Eco-system and Enhancing Organisational Sustainability.
Through this strategic approach, Learning Limerick aims to ensure that learning remains inclusive, visible and responsive to the needs of individuals, communities and employers, while supporting Limerick’s wider social and economic development.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Moran said:
“Limerick City and County Council continues to be committed both as a member of this multi-sectoral Learning Limerick Steering Group and to lifelong learning in all its forms. There are strong synergies between the priorities and objectives of this plan and the objectives identified in the Council’s Limerick Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2023–2028 and the Mayoral Plan More for Limerick 2024 – 2029. This is recognition that learning is critical to the success of all local government work. I see this Strategic Plan as a road map that will plot the direction for Learning Limerick partner organisations, Council members, Council staff and others, who want to contribute to the growth of Limerick as a vibrant Learning Region”
Michael MacCurtain, Limerick Chamber Skillnet and Chair of Learning Limerick Steering Group highlighted the strong commitment from the partners on the steering group and the importance of our UNESCO membership:
“Learning Limerick is committed to delivering on the ambitions set out in this plan. Through continued partnership, leadership and collaboration, we will monitor progress, learn from our experience, and adapt our approach where needed. Additionally, Learning Limerick is proud of its active membership of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and the Irish Network of Learning Cities. This strategy is aligned with UNESCO’s Framework of Key Features of Learning Cities and with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing our commitment to inclusive, equitable and lifelong learning as a cornerstone of sustainable development.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery commented:
“The involvement of our local communities in Limerick in both the drafting and implementation of key plans for Limerick is important. I am delighted to see that one of the key pillars of Learning Limerick’s Strategic Plan is Connecting with and Hearing the Voice of Learners and they also have a vibrant Community Learning Ambassadors Programme. Our community learners need to be represented at local government level. Lifelong learning opportunities are for the community, within the community; empowering learners and thereby fostering social change.”
Director General at Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly added:
“We are delighted to renew our commitment to Learning Limerick through this new Strategic Plan. We support the provision of accessible and varied lifelong learning opportunities across Limerick communities, both city and county.”
Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said:
“Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is proud to support Learning Limerick’s projects as a key funding partner. We have been actively involved in the Learning Limerick Steering Group since its inception and have supported the development of this Strategic Plan. Our continued involvement reflects a shared commitment to tackling educational barriers and ensuring inclusive, accessible learning opportunities across the community. This Strategic Plan provides a strong framework to further strengthen lifelong learning in the region in the years ahead.”
The MC for the launch at Istabraq Hall was Dr. Sarah Brady, Micro-credentials Project Lead, University of Limerick. Guests included steering group and festival organising committee members, learners and partners.
A presentation was given by facilitator for the Strategic Planning Process, Ann Clarke, who highlighted a number of key elements of the plan. The development of the strategy was informed by a comprehensive process of consultation, focus groups and facilitated workshops, ensuring that the voices of partners and learners helped shape its direction. The plan articulates the value added by Learning Limerick and the includes key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress.
Ann Clarke explained:
“The value is in how the Learning Limerick group works collaboratively with stakeholders in the region to mobilise resources; and the partners achieve more by working together than separately. This plan identifies key measurable outputs; thus holding the group responsible to report on its progress made annually. This should assist the group to continue to lobby for sustained funding from both the key existing partners; and also, hopefully developing new funding partnerships.”
Speaking at the launch, Learning Limerick’s Lifelong Learning Facilitator Yvonne Lane spoke about putting the plan into practice:
“The Learning Limerick Steering Group is committed to working in partnership to transform the Strategic Plan into an actionable, living roadmap. The group has already start to action priority actions identified; particularly around our key projects of the Lifelong Learning Festival and Learning Ambassadors, and establishing a Governance Oversight Subcommittee. Our new workplan template and its progress against the Strategic Plan will be reviewed regularly at Steering Group meetings. We believe this is crucial for Learning Limerick’s success into the future.”
Guests were also treated to a performance by Chimers Choir. Chimers is a peer-based community choir in Limerick formed to promote positive mental health, bringing together service users, HSE staff, and friends. It is supported by Mental Health Engagement and Health and Wellbeing in the HSE. Singing "known and groovy” songs, the choir aims to lift spirits through music. The choir are also participating in the Lifelong Learning Festival this year by holding a ‘Singing for Wellbeing’ event open to all.
St. Saviour’s Adult Education Group also participated in the event with one of their learners Mabel Mescal and their Co-ordinator Annette Egan reciting some poems written by learner Michael O’Brien. St. Saviour’s Group is volunteer led and is supported by a voluntary board and tutors providing classes from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.