Government to review legislation around Limerick mayoral role this year, says Taoiseach

John Moran said 'we can do a lot of work ourselves now to actually prepare for' the review

Earlier this week John Moran accused the Government of 'washing its hands' of the issue.

The Taoiseach has said there will be a review into the directly-elected mayor legislation “before the end of the year” after Limerick's office holder John Moran accused the Government of “washing its hands” of the issue.

Speaking to media in Limerick, Micheál Martin said the direct mandate for the mayor was a “major departure” in terms of local governance.

“I would appeal to all concerned in the council, to everybody involved to resolve these issues, to work together in the best interests of the people of Limerick. It's inevitable in a new structure like this,” he said.

“I do believe there will be a review, it will be before the end of the year, which is kind of bringing it forward,” he added.

Mr Martin said “you do have to give it a bit of time” to make sure “you know what you're reviewing".

He emphasised the importance of people working together, irrespective of the structure.

“Very often there can be tensions between the chief executive officer and councillors, but ultimately people have to work together.

“It was my understanding the legislation was a three-year review when it was legislated but it's one we’re keeping an eye on,” he said.

Earlier this week John Moran accused the Government of “washing its hands” of the issue.

Asked whether or not his stance had changed following Mr Martin’s comments, John Moran told the Irish Examiner: “ I spoke to the Taoiseach earlier and he and I both committed to trying to find a resolution for this in the review.” 

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Mr Moran added: “We can do a lot of work ourselves now to actually prepare for that. I think that'll be really helpful getting the councillors and the officials on board for that.

“There are ways in which the department could help us, they wrote the legislation, they understand what they intended it to mean, they could actually help establish some clarity about that rather than having to go and get external legal advice, we might as well talk to the people that wrote it themselves.”

Earlier this week, John Moran claimed he was “physically manhandled” by council director general Pat Daly after the pair clashed over an interview given by Mr Moran to a radio station in Limerick in October 2025.