235. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to progress section 47 of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66102/26]

The Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024 provides for a directly elected Mayor of Limerick with executive functions and new arrangements in Limerick City and County Council and the first Mayor took up office in June 2024. Part 6 of the 2024 Act also makes provision for a local authority to hold a plebiscite on the question of whether to have a directly elected Mayor with executive functions for their administrative area.

A plebiscite of the electors of an administrative area may be proposed in three ways:

1. where a local authority Corporate Policy Group recommends it and the elected council approves it;

2. where a petition is signed by more than 15% of the electorate and the chief executive certifies it; or

3. where the Minister directs it.

A plebiscite must then be held within 12 months. Where the outcome of a plebiscite is in favour of a directly elected mayor, the 2024 Act requires that the Minister submits a report to the Oireachtas within two years, containing proposals for legislative measures to provide for a directly elected Mayor of that administrative area.

These legislative provisions have been commenced, and supporting regulations for holding plebiscites are being developed.

In relation to local government reform more generally, the Local Democracy Taskforce Report and Implementation Plan was published on 22 July 2026. The Implementation Plan, developed in response to the Local Democracy Taskforce report, sets out a comprehensive programme of reforms designed to strengthen local democracy, empower communities and enhance the role of elected Councillors across Ireland.

236. Reply not received from Department.