AFTER a sustained period of speculation, local businesswoman Helen O’Donnell this Monday (March 11) launched her campaign for the position of directly elected Mayor of Limerick (DEM).
Ms O’Donnell has decades of experience in business, public service, community, and political activity across the county, and says her campaign will be underpinned by one core aspect – her commitment to and passion for Limerick.
In 1984, Helen married Tom O’Donnell, former minister, MEP for Munster, and TD for Limerick East. Together they had one son, Thomas.
Ms O’Donnell outlined her manifesto at a campaign launch on Monday, saying that “the basis of my leadership strategy will be to fast-track the economic regeneration of Limerick City and County. My priority will be to deliver better housing, transport and environmental services — faster and more efficiently — for the people of Limerick.”
She explained that she decided to contest this election because the new DEM will have the powers to tackle the major economic, housing, environmental, and transport challenges facing the city and county.
“I have substantial experience in both the private and public sectors and the practical skills to take on these challenges to lead Limerick into the next phase of its development,” she said.
Ms O’Donnell has a strong local pedigree, serving for almost 30 years experience as head one of Limerick’s best-loved institutions – the Hunt Café. She has also been a valued member of the business community as owner of both Dolmen Restaurant and Gallery and her café at the Hunt Museum.
Her strong track record of working with and leading voluntary organisations – including the annual Team Limerick Clean-up which she founded with rugby legend Paul O’Donnell and billionaire JP McManus – has given her an insight and experience that few possess, she says. She also served as chair of domestic abuse organisation Adapt and both Paul Partnership and Crescent College Comprehensive.
The new DEM role is a full-time post and the successful candidate will have strategic executive powers over a five-year mandate to drive the economic development of Limerick. If elected, Ms O’Donnell says she will engage with people and listen to what they say – she will not confine herself to an office in City Hall.
