What’s land recycling? Read about this German example
The city of Flensburg got a grant from the regional government of Schleswig-Holstein so that it would avoid building on new land
The forthcoming legislation has been hailed as the most significant reform of local government since the foundation of the Republic
In May 2019, the residents of Limerick city and county voted in favour of a Directly Elected Mayor with executive powers. Two years later, achieving that goal is within a hand’s reach, following last week’s decision by the Irish Government to fast track draft legislation for the rights and duties of the new post.
So far, Irish mayors have been elected by their fellow councillors for a one-year term. Apart from chairing council meetings, their role is mostly ceremonial, although capable of securing political clout.
"It is the most significant reform of local government since the foundation of our State. It is a huge opportunity for Limerick to grasp," said Minister for State for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke, quoted by RTÉ. He added that the Government is in a race against time to deliver the legislation and have an election this year but is firmly committed to honour the wish of the people of Limerick.
Election for the post of Directly Elected Mayor is expected to be held before the end of 2021. The first term of the new Limerick mayor will run until the local elections of 2029.
The Directly Elected Mayor will have powers over housing, building, road transport and safety, strategic development and environmental services, with a potential transfer of additional functions by Government departments in the future. He would have the right, at least in theory, to be consulted on decisions by Irish Water, Slainte Care (programme to transform the nation’s health and social care services), as well as about national transport plans, education and training, according to Burke.
The new Limerick mayor will be responsible for drafting the annual municipal budget (currently worth EUR 401 million) and present it for approval by the elected Council. He will also be tasked with developing a 'Programme for Local Government in Limerick', a document laying out the mayor’s vision and ambitions for the area.
The Directly Elected Mayor will be paid EUR 130 000 or the equivalent of a Minister of State's salary and will have a staff of five individuals, including a special advisor. The elected Council will retain its current functions, while its Chief Executive will be renamed a ‘Director General’ and will be responsible for managing and accounting for the council’s finances.
Incumbent Limerick Mayor Michael Collins welcomed the move to draft legislation, recalling that Limerick will be playing the lead again, as it did in 2014. “Limerick is an ambitious place; we’re constantly looking to innovate and this will be another big moment for us in that regard as we become the first local authority in Ireland to have a directly elected mayor. This is not the first time we’ve been forging new frontiers in local government as in 2014 we became the first city and county local authorities to amalgamate,” said Collins, quoted by limerick.ie.
TheMayor.EU stands against fake news and disinformation. If you encounter such texts and materials online, contact us at info@themayor.eu
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
His name is Adrian-Dragoș Benea from Romania
Find out her vision for the next five years and what’s in store for the European Union
Gotland wants to be at the forefront of this emerging mobility technology
It’s all about preventing the habit of slowing down just for the radar
Landkreis Heilbronn will also enlist the help of sensors to identify incorrectly filled organic trash bins
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
The Old Continent gets ready for the largest festival of sports
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital