Limerick city tradition discontinued as mayor’s coal appeal burns out

A TRADITION which helped city families in need at Christmas will not return for a second year-in-a-row, Mayor John Moran has confirmed.

The mayor’s coal appeal traditionally saw local businesses donate money to the first citizen’s office.

It was then used to buy coal and fuel for people who most needed it to keep their homes warm over the festive season.

In 2018, more than 1,000 people applied for support.

More recently, environmental concerns saw coal replaced by a food hamper.

But Mayor Moran has stated the scheme will not be returning this year, reflecting a position he held last year.

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The information came to light following a question from Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely at this month’s metropolitan meeting.

The City East representative had asked if any funding was in place for an initiative similar to what was offered in the mayor’s coal scheme.

Mayor Moran said that given the fact the scheme was largely unadvertised and restricted to citizens of the old city area meant it was hard for him as the first citizen of the entire county of Limerick to continue with it.

“I understand funds to purchase the coal, and more recently hampers sourced at the Milk Market, came mostly from donations by the business community in Limerick city, given to the mayor to operate the scheme,” he said.

“It would be deemed inappropriate for a directly elected mayor to solicit donations from the business community to fund the donation of hampers to a group of people selected based on unadvertised criteria, while excluding those residing in the county,” he added.

Mayor Moran also added that funds allocated from the exchequer are subject to strict public spending rules.

However, he said he would be willing to lend “non-financial” support to a scheme to help those in need this Christmas.

He said anyone in need should contact Citizens Information.