Limerick Council advances bid to become WHO European Healthy City

LIMERICK City and County Council (LCCC) has met with an official from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to advance its bid for accreditation to the WHO European Healthy Cities and Counties Network. 

This initiative underscores Limerick’s “commitment to promoting health and well-being for all its residents”.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, recently met with key officials to discuss Limerick’s accreditation ahead of submitting an official application. 

The meeting included Minister of State at the Department of Public Health, Colm Burke TD, WHO Lead for the European Healthy Cities Network, Kira Fortune, HSE’s regional executive officer, Sandra Broderick, and representatives from the Department of Health and Limerick City and County Council.

The discussions focused on the Healthy Cities and Counties Programme and the role of Local Government in improving health outcomes and addressing the broader determinants of health. 

The Healthy Cities Network, initiated by the WHO in 1987, emphasises the critical role of local governments in health and sustainable development. 

The programme has grown to include National Networks in 20 countries within the WHO European Region, connecting over 1,800 cities, counties, and towns. 

The National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network, accredited by the WHO in 2016, aims to support Local Authorities in implementing the Healthy Ireland Framework.

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Healthy cities and counties are committed to delivering benefits for both people and the planet, engaging all communities in the pursuit of peace and prosperity, tackling inequalities, and promoting good governance and leadership for health and well-being. 

Innovation, knowledge sharing, and health diplomacy are key values nurtured in healthy cities.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented: “We are excited about the prospect of joining the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. This accreditation will highlight our ongoing efforts to improve health and well-being in Limerick. By working together with local businesses, communities, and government bodies, we aim to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all our residents.”

Olivia O’Brien, Healthy Ireland – Limerick coordinator, Limerick City and County Council commented: “Kira Fortune, WHO Lead for the European Healthy Cities Network was very complimentary of the work already happening in the health and wellbeing space, in Limerick and offered to spotlight Limerick’s key initiatives on the WHO website, in advance of formal membership status to the Healthy Cities Network”. 

“Having said that,” she continued, “joining the network will of course provide even broader opportunities for collaboration and visibility with a continued focus on and response to local health and wellbeing needs.”

The process for joining the WHO’s European Healthy Cities Network involves three key steps.

The first entails the Mayor of Limerick submitting an official request for Limerick’s accreditation.

Secondly, a comprehensive city and county health profile must be developed, detailing the health of Limerick’s population and analysing key health determinants.

Finally, Limerick City and County Council will prepare and submit the application to the WHO’s European Healthy Cities Network.