Council meetings should be held in local communities across the city on a regular basis to bridge the gap between the public and those elected to represent them.
That’s the view of Sinn Fein councillor Maurice Quinlivan who is seeking the support of his fellow councillors for the proposal as he believes it will give people the opportunity to see what council meetings entail.
“There is often a perception that what goes on at council meetings bears little relevance for people in the community. It isn’t always clear how discussions and agreements at council meetings serve the people we represent,” Cllr Quinlivan commented.
In 2012, for the first time in the history of Limerick City Council, a civic reception was held outside of City Hall. By having this reception in the Southill Area Centre, Cllr Quinlivan believes the Council made a clear statement about how it wants to work with the people it represents.
The City North councillor is now calling on the Metropolitan District of Limerick to take the next step in this process.
“Openness and transparency are of real importance to the electorate and by leaving the confines of City Hall, we can demonstrate that these are central values for our Council members also,” the Sinn Fein councillor added.
He is suggesting that a special meeting would take place annually on a rotating basis in community centres in Southill, Our Lady of Lourdes, St Munchin’s, Caherdavin, Moyross, St Mary’s and Castleconnell and other venues across the city.
