Limerick Council tour led by Mayor John Moran includes UK city he has unique ties to

THE MAYOR of Limerick, John Moran, has led a delegation from Limerick City and County Council on a tour of four UK cities, one of which he was born in.

Mayor Moran was accompanied by Vincent Murray, director of services, planning and place making, and Cllr Francis Foley to visit Liverpool, Birmingham, Salford and Manchester. 

All three members were born in the city of Birmingham before returning to Limerick at a young age and had been invited to attend a networking dinner with members of the Limerick Birmingham Association.

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Mayor Moran said: “It was with great pleasure and personal affection that I could lead this delegation to these cities, particularly my birthplace and indeed that of all three of us who went, Birmingham. 

“Spending time with my counterparts there has only deepened my belief that our cities share more than just a similar past - we share a common future. These are places, like Limerick, shaped by industry, resilience, and reinvention.”

Adding that he is committed to growing alliances and that there is already a “powerful foundation for us to continue to build on”, he said: “Now is the moment to be bold, take action and to weave those threads into something stronger. 

“Whether it’s collaborating on innovation, exchanging ideas for more liveable cities, or unlocking new cultural and economic links, the ‘different kind of energy’ that we are so used to in Limerick is there and the appetite is there.”

The group initially travelled to Liverpool, meeting with the leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson and Limerick City and County Council alumnus Ms Nuala Gallagher, corporate director, city development. 

Links between Limerick and Liverpool and how to continue building the relationship between the two cities were discussed, along with lessons learned from the development of key new areas in urban Liverpool.

Vincent Murray, said: “Visiting Liverpool, Salford, Manchester and Birmingham offered a unique opportunity to deepen ties with cities that share a proud industrial heritage and ambitious regeneration goals with us in Limerick. 

“We engaged with key stakeholders across urban development, culture and innovation, as well as highlighting Limerick’s progress and potential. 

“These visits reaffirmed the value of international collaboration in shaping resilient, forward-thinking cities with a different kind of energy.”

The delegation also travelled to meet separately with Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett and Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. The delegation visited and examined a recently completed mixed-tenure brownfield scheme in an established neighbourhood.

The group finalised proceedings by travelling to Birmingham where the Mayor first met with Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Ken Wood. 

The Mayor and Lord Mayor then led a joint workshop with key political leaders and officials from Birmingham. Issues discussed including housing, transport and links to the Limerick Birmingham diaspora.

Cllr Francis Foley said after the Birmingham proceedings: “It was an honour to accompany the Limerick delegation, led by our Mayor, to these cities. 

“The visit reinforced the historic and cultural links between our regions and highlighted exciting opportunities for future collaboration. 

“Returning to Birmingham was especially meaningful for me, both personally and professionally, as I witnessed the potential for deepening connections that benefit Limerick.”

A formal invitation will now be extended by the Mayor of Limerick to representatives from Liverpool, Manchester, Salford and Birmingham, to visit Limerick at some point during the current Mayoral term.