Limerick posters are ‘misleading’

It is with a very heavy heart that I write to you and ask that you reconsider the posters which you have installed in locations around the country, alarming visitors and residents.

Safety of both are paramount to me and I find these posters to be misleading.

For a great number of years, Limerick was acknowledged to have challenges with regard to the incidence and profile of crime in the city. This situation attracted national headlines, significantly damaging the image of the city and were responsible for compromising the feeling of safety of residents and visitors. There is a need for positive action, through which we can develop a more positive image for the city.

The poster campaign that is currently promoting sales of the Irish Examiner newspaper is not helpful and amounts to negative publicity to our city of Limerick and other counties. I feel that this is irresponsible at a time when our economy needs a boost and in the middle of high season for visitors to our fair city. These posters should be removed immediately and replaced by ones that state that, ‘We are safe places to do business, work in, visit and live in’.

As mayor of the city, it grieves me to see this kind of poster. The poster is alarmist in its approach. I know that officials of the city are examining the content of the poster and I am writing to you to let you and your readers know that I am very displeased with this particular poster campaign. Respect for cities that are struggling business-wise at this time is what is necessary, and I suggest that the Irish Examiner run a few positive promotions to make amends for the error that they made in this advertising method. I suggest that they examine the good that is happening. Have they run a poster campaign highlighting the Gathering events which are being run by volunteers? Have they promoted Limerick as the upcoming City of Culture? It is time for responsible journalism, and to this end they must play their part in creating an image of Ireland that says, ‘Welcome one and all and you are safe while you are here’.

I love the city of Limerick and I will not stand by and let anyone undo the great work that has been done to positively rebrand the city. It is time for the Irish Examiner to talk to organisations like I Love Limerick and Limerick Local Heroes. These people spend a huge amount of time and effort in creating a positive image of Limerick and the last thing I want to see is this work being undone by irresponsible reporting or advertising.

Limerick City is fortunate in its possession of a range of high quality natural and built environments, including the River Shannon and examples of superb architecture dating from all periods of its life. We have wonderful people, we are a sports mecca, we are talented and proud. I formally ask that these are the attributes that should be commented upon when Limerick City is to the fore in the media.

Cllr Gerry McLoughlin

Mayor of Limerick City