New name in the mix to become Limerick's first directly elected mayor

THE chief executive of Limerick Chamber Dee Ryan is to seek the nomination of Fianna Fail to be its candidate in the upcoming election for the directly elected mayor.

The mother-of-four, who hails from Castleconnell, attended the local national school followed by Laurel Hill Secondary School.

She studied business at University of Limerick before running Spark Marketing in the city centre for 14 years.

In 2018, Ms Ryan, pictured below, was appointed to the top role at Limerick Chamber, the largest business representative group in the region.

Since then she has served on various boards and two government taskforces - including the one which recommended the structures for Limerick's first directly elected mayor, which was approved in a plebiscite back in 2019.

Over the last five years, she has called for improved connectivity to Shannon Airport, highlighting the importance of air access into the region for securing foreign direct investment.

Ms Ryan said: "I'm committed to working for Limerick city and county and look forward to engaging with the Fianna Fail Oireachtas members, councillors and party members in this internal selection process. If chosen to be the Fianna Fail candidate I would be deeply honoured and would leave no stone unturned in my efforts and commitment to win. If nominated and successful in the up-coming election my priorities would be delivery of affordable housing, improved transport and connectivity across the county and seizing the green energy opportunity from the Estuary to secure sustainable jobs for Limerick into the future."

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Fianna Fail is expected to hold its selection convention in the coming weeks.

There are only two confirmed candidates in the election for the high-profile position, the election of which will take place on Friday, June 7.

Green Party TD Brian Leddin and People Before Profit member Ruairi Fahy have already thrown their hat into the ring.

Meanwhile, John Moran, the former secretary general at the Department of Finance has expressed his interest in running, as has local businesswoman Helen O'Donnell.