Limerick mayoral runner launches five-point plan for race

FINE GAEL’S candidate for the directly elected mayor of Limerick, Daniel Butler has launched a five-point plan to deliver €72 million in investment for Limerick.

If elected as mayor, Cllr Butler plans to expand the €40 million mayor fund over the course of five years through Government-backed schemes. 

He plans to use schemes such as the housing adaptation grant, town and village renewal scheme, large scale sport infrastructure fund, and the rural and urban regeneration development funds. 

He is particularly focusing on the areas of enterprise, infrastructure, housing, quality of life and rural development. 

Cllr Butler wants to see the Northern Distributor Road delivered, saying it is already at an advanced planning stage and has the potential to deliver new commercial and residential developments in the Mid-West.

He says the development has the potential to drive economic growth in the region.

The Fine Gael candidate also wants to see the offshore green energy Shannon pipeline delivered, saying it will create 50,000 jobs across the Mid-West by 2050. 

“Foynes will play a key role in the delivery of this pipeline, with the completion of the Foynes to Limerick road and the reopening of the Foynes to Limerick railway to open up significant economic opportunities for the county,” he told the Limerick Leader. 

Another point in his plan includes the Shannon Estuary LNG terminal in Kerry, which he believes will secure a gas supply for Ireland, offering a low carbon alternative to oil and coal. 

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Launching his plan, Cllr Butler criticised the Green Party for blocking various projects across Limerick. 

He said: “Developing Limerick’s infrastructure will be vital in delivering on the rest of the five points, as without fit-for-purpose infrastructure Limerick cannot grow and thrive. 

“Green Party ideology has gotten in the way of delivering key infrastructure projects in recent years and I think it is important to call out how Minister Eamon Ryan’s vetoes are costing Limerick today. 

“An anti-roads ideology has stalled the delivery of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road, which has huge upsides for the economic and social development of Limerick.”

Fast track delivery of housing is also part of his plan, as well as rural development.