Young Limerick people from disadvantaged areas want 'safer places to hang out', group hears

The group heard how these young people had dreams of becoming a pilot, doctor, fitness instructor, youth worker and working with horses, but how 'sadly, some young people had no vision or hope for the future'

Members of the Limerick Health Equity Oversight Group, including Mayor of Limerick, John Moran (centre); with, from left, Dr Ann Dee of HSE Mid West Public Health, Dr Mai Mannix, oversight group chairperson and regional director of Public Health, HSE Mid West; Sandra Broderick, regional executive officer at HSE Mid West; and Dr Pat Daly, chief executive officer at Limerick City and County Council. Picture: Liam Burke/Press 22

A body tasked with delivering a “healthier” Limerick has heard how young people in disadvantaged areas crave safer places to hang out and that some have “no vision or hope for the future”.

The Limerick Health Equity Region Oversight Group, co-sponsored by the HSE Mid West and Limerick mayor John Moran, was founded in May 2025 to tackle health inequalities that spring from poverty and disadvantage.