THE establishment of Expert Groups by Mayor John Moran aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing Limerick City and County represents a shift in how policy is developed and implemented.
So said Limerick’s first citizen in Dooradoyle council chambers when questioned by Sinn Féin councillor Sharon Benson on his vision to transform how government works locally.
The first three groups will focus on homelessness and drug addiction, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the development of public parks.
Mayor Moran has asked members of Limerick City and County Council to co-chair each of these first expert groups. As local representatives, these council members will play a key role in assisting the Mayor to bring together key stakeholders, industry experts, and community representatives and to ensure that each report contains practical, actionable, sustainable and people-centred solutions.
In County Hall, Cllr Benson asked for an update on the first three Expert Groups that are being established, how stakeholders are being chosen to sit on these groups, and what other groups are being planned for the future.
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Mayor Moran pointed out that, historically, policy was primarily developed by the unelected executive, with drafts presented to ensure democratic mandate to the relevant Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) for recommendation to full Council. While effective, this approach, he maintained, sometimes involved less early-stage input from experts, stakeholders, and community representatives.
“The Expert Groups are structured to involve subject matter experts, committees, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to contribute their insights and recommendations from the outset but also to include council members who have an interest in the specific subject matter,” he explained.
This, Mayor Moran continued, helps ensure early alignment between the executive and legislative electoral mandates. Councillors were informed that the model lines with best practices in EU institutions, where as in Limerick now, policy is proposed by one arm with an elected mandate and approved by another.
“Limerick is at the beginning of its new journey and I am sure that the current approach will continue to evolve as we learn further but it underscores my commitment to work in as inclusive and transparent a manner as possible,” he insisted.
The SME Task Force to Deliver Economic Recovery will be lead by Fine Gael councillor Peter Doyle, which will be responsible for actions to support indigenous businesses and building a five-year SME Action Plan.
Tackling Homelessness and Drug Addiction. Cllr Sarah Beasley (Aontú) will co-chair a group dedicated to proposing practical, sustainable solutions to address homelessness and drug addiction in our city and county. The group’s recommendations will focus on specific short-term actions which can be taken, on the road to comprehensive solutions for those faced with homelessness within our community.
Cllr Sean Hartigan (Green Party) will lead a group focused on a master plan for heritage sites and public nature parks throughout Limerick. The group will assess current amenities, identify gaps in facilities, and provide recommendations for expanding access to green spaces, particularly in urban and town areas where residents may lack private gardens.
Meanwhile, Independent councillor Maria Donoghue has been asked to co-chair City Centre Revitalisation Expert Group. This group will include representatives of trade groups, Limerick Chamber, businesses, youth groups, sports facilities and residents.
Mayor Moran went onto say that a number of councillors have already expressed a particular interest in one or more of future expert groups.
