Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
579. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Government will enact the remaining provisions of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024, to give local authorities the ability, specified in the legislation, to call plebiscites on directly electing their own mayors. [51863/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to supporting the office of the Directly Elected Mayor of Limerick and considering further plebiscites in Dublin and other cities.
Part 6 of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024 makes provision for a local authority to hold a plebiscite on the question of whether to have a directly elected Mayor with executive functions for their administrative area.
A plebiscite of the electors of an administrative area may be proposed in three ways:
1. where a local authority Corporate Policy Group recommends it and the elected council approves it;
2. where a petition is signed by more than 15% of the electorate and the chief executive certifies it; or
3. where the Minister directs it.
A plebiscite must then be held within 12 months. Where the outcome of a plebiscite is in favour of a directly elected mayor, the 2024 Act requires that the Minister submits a report to the Oireachtas within two years, containing proposals for legislative measures to provide for a directly elected Mayor of that administrative area.
These legislative provisions have been commenced, and supporting regulations for holding plebiscites are being developed.
