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

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.

The group’s last meeting included direct engagement with 49 children and young people in Limerick City North and South, as well as an examination of early years provision in the city.

The meeting heard how children and young people in disadvantaged areas would like “more places for us to hang out that are safe and there's lots of activities for us to do”.

They also mentioned how people “just swim in the Shannon River” because "it's too expensive to go anywhere else”.

Their experience of living in disadvantaged areas was also shown, with some noting others say “they're from a rough area and you are not like others”.

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”.

Regional director of Public Health HSE Mid West, and the group's chairperson, Dr Mai Mannix, said: “Our early insights clearly show that young people in our communities are eager to speak with us about their challenging lived experiences.

"Many have spoken to us about their hopes and dreams for their future, whether that was becoming a doctor, pilot or youth worker for example, despite the challenges in their environment and community. 

"But there are also children who are worried about their future because of their environment.” 

Dr Mannix added: “We also know that early years and children’s services are under huge pressure to deliver supports for parents of young people.

“This encourages us to do more listening and learning to collaborate with the same communities to improve their environments and conditions, in particular to all children and families. 

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"We are at the beginning of a city-wide process, and we aim to do it right by working with the people who matter the most — the community.” 

John Moran said: “The ongoing work of this group is about first listening to communities before we roll out ideas, especially to our young people. They are Limerick’s future and their voices matter. 

"At this latest meeting, we heard about outcomes showing how this new group is already making a difference. We also heard powerful truths in the initial feedback from the engagement taking place with teenagers and young adults.”