Limerick in line for City Centre Taskforce under Fine Gael – Byrne

A dedicated Limerick City Task Force would drive transformative change for the city, tackling challenges and unlocking its potential, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Maria Byrne, Fine Gael General Election candidate in Limerick City, said: “I am delighted that the Fine Gael Manifesto commits to rolling out the city centre taskforce model to other cities. This is something I have been calling for and Limerick is in line to be one of the next cities to have a taskforce appointed if Fine Gael is returned to Government.

“The Dublin City taskforce recently concluded its report and has been widely lauded as a success. Fine Gael is committed to ensuring Limerick becomes a city that is safer, stronger, and brimming with opportunity. To this end, public safety must be a priority. Everyone deserves to feel secure and proud in our streets and public spaces.

“The Taskforce would include the Mayor, representatives of the Business Association, Limerick Chamber, Limerick Council and other stakeholders. The provision of a Marketing Manager would provide an opportunity to increase the City’s retail offering while also creating a more vibrant social offering in the City at night.

“Infrastructure was also a critical focus for a similar taskforce in Dublin recently which has been widely lauded as a success. Projects like the Limerick-to-Cork motorway and enhanced public transport would strengthen connections, drive investment, and support communities.

“Limerick is ideally placed to provide a counterbalance to Dublin, and if we can continue to increase connectivity, Shannon Airport can play a greater role in increasing transport options.

“Limerick’s creative energy must be celebrated. By supporting arts, culture, and tourism, we can make the city a destination for talent and innovation, creating an atmosphere that draws people from across the globe.

“This initiative would present an opportunity to bring together representatives from Limerick City and County Council, An Garda Síochána, public services, businesses, unions, health professionals, and urban planners. Through this, we could deliver the bold vision that Limerick deserves.”

“Alongside the introduction of a new directly elected mayor in Limerick, this would bring visibility and focus to these efforts, and help ensure Limerick has the leadership and attention it requires to succeed.

“I have worked closely with the City Business Association who suggested that a Masterplan be drawn up for Limerick City to make it a more vibrant business, social and residential hub and will continue to advocate for this.

“Limerick has extraordinary potential, but we can do more ad with this Task Force, we could create a city that is dynamic, inclusive, and thriving for generations to come,” Senator Maria Byrne concluded.