LIMERICK architect and mother-of-two Maria Donoghue this week announced her plans to run in the upcoming local elections as an Independent candidate for City West.
A first-time candidate, Ms Donoghue, who is a resident in Wolfe Tone Street in Limerick City, said the deterioration of the city centre, which she sees every day, has pushed her to stand for local election in an effort to use her experience and knowledge to turn the decline around.
By standing as an Independent candidate, Ms Donoghue believes she can provide strong leadership and a clear voice for change by rising above political debate and focusing on the fundamental problems of decline and mismanagement.
As an architect, working in private practice with her husband James Corbett on O’Connell Street, she says she brings a specialism in city design and regeneration.
Ms Donoghue told the Limerick Post that she recognises the challenges that must be addressed to stop the decline of the city centre.
Bringing experience at senior level as an architect at Limerick City and County Council, she says that she understands how this can be managed and resourced more effectively.
If elected, Ms Donoghue has vowed to work to increase the vibrancy of the city centre. She wants to tackle dereliction and vacancy by encouraging people to return and live in the city centre, which she believes will increase the footfall for local businesses and improve retail experience.
“I also wants to see better connectivity between Limerick City and its suburban areas through progressive high-capacity public transport choices,” she explained.
The Independent candidate is involved with various local clubs and committees in Limerick City West, including Ballinacurra Gaels GAA/LGFA Club.
She previously chaired the architecture festival committee, Open House Limerick, from 2016 to 2019, and is a member of the Limerick Opera Festival committee.
