Limerick mayor explained: What powers does John Moran actually have?

A statutory review of Limerick’s directly elected mayoral system could clarify powers and determine whether the model expands elsewhere

John Moran became Limerick’s first directly elected mayor in 2024, winning the election as an independent candidate. Picture: Don Moloney.

As Limerick serves as a “guinea pig” for Ireland’s first directly elected mayoral experiment, an upcoming review is due to assess its effectiveness.

The findings will help determine whether the mayoral framework could be expanded to other cities. Here is a look at the legislation and issues that have arisen in Limerick.

John Moran: first directly elected mayor

In a 2019 plebiscite, the people of Limerick voted to create a directly elected mayor, with a five-year term and executive powers to implement strategies and initiatives for the benefit of Co Limerick.

After two days of counting at Limerick Racecourse, John Moran became the first directly elected mayor in 2024, winning as an independent candidate.

Mr Moran began his career as a lawyer on Wall Street before working for a number of high-profile organisations. He is perhaps best known as a former secretary general in Michael Noonan’s finance department. He also served as a director of the European Investment Bank, chair of the Land Development Agency and director of the Shannon Airport Group.

During his mayoral campaign, Mr Moran was described as the man with “the housing plan”. His priorities include providing modular housing to meet demand and exploring more affordable solutions.

His mayoral programme, ‘More for Limerick’, is a 138-page document outlining his vision and objectives for his 2024 to 2029 term.

How does the mayoral system work?

When first published, the mayoral legislation was criticised for relying heavily on “soft powers”, with critics saying the role had little authority beyond powers already held by the council’s chief executive and councillors.

The Limerick Chamber warned that delays to the review could cause reputational damage to Limerick, which is effectively serving as a test case.

The role is unique in Ireland, with the mayor given executive powers under legislation and a maximum of two five-year terms.

Under the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024, the mayor has both executive and representative responsibilities. 

As executive, the mayor assumes responsibility for functions previously performed by the chief executive. 

As representative, he serves as first citizen, a role previously performed by the Cathaoirleach, representing the city and county locally, nationally and internationally.

The mayor has responsibility for strategic planning, housing strategy, road transport and the environment. Unlike the chief executive, he is directly elected by the people of Limerick.

The mayor also drafts the local authority’s budget, which is then put to the council for approval.

The division of powers between the mayor and chief executive has created potential areas of overlap. Both John Moran and Pat Daly, the council’s chief executive, are accountable to elected councillors and must answer questions at plenary council meetings.

While the mayor is responsible for strategic and infrastructural delivery, the chief executive oversees financial, staffing and operational matters. 

Mr Daly is responsible for implementing and managing the budget, while Mr Moran can propose and draft budget proposals.

The legislation aims to ensure the democratic mandate of voters is reflected in how money is allocated locally.

What issues have arisen?

One issue faced by both sides is who controls council staffing. While the mayor has powers across many areas, some aspects of the legislation remain unclear.

A formal statutory review of the mayoral legislation is expected to begin before the end of this year, after three years of the system operating. 

Overseen by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, it is intended to clarify the division of powers between the mayor and councillors.

The findings will also help determine whether the directly elected mayoral model should be extended to other cities.

As it stands, the mayor has no authority to override decisions made by the council.