Information campaign for plebiscites launched
A public information campaign on the upcoming plebiscite on a directly elected mayor for Cork city was launched this morning.
The plebiscite will be held on 24 May and under the proposal a directly elected lord mayor would be the chair of the council, have some of the roles and responsibilities currently held by a chief executive and assume the representational role held by the lord mayor/mayor of a council.
The Committee to Oversee the Plebiscite Public Information Campaign launched the public information campaign with executive functions for Cork City as well as Limerick City and County Council, and Waterford City and County Council.
The public information campaign will include:
· A dedicated webpage about the plebiscites, www.mayors.gov.ie, which will have a downloadable, detailed guide to the plebiscite in each administrative area, and a short video on the plebiscites
· Each household in the three local authority areas will also receive a guide to the plebiscite
· A newspaper and radio advertising campaign and social media campaign to raise awareness of the plebiscites
· A poster campaign, with posters displayed in local authority offices and elsewhere
· Public information meetings, presided over by the committee chair, to be held in the three local authority areas
Former judge of the High Court, Henry Abbott, Committee chairperson, said this morning: “The people of Cork city, Limerick and Waterford will be asked for their views in a plebiscite on the Government’s proposal for a directly elected mayor with executive functions for their area, on 24 May 2019.
“It’s very important that people have access to factual and impartial information before they vote on the issue. The committee are providing comprehensive information in a range of formats to the voters. I would urge everyone with an interest in this issue to take the time to read the information and consider attending a public information meeting in their area.”
Under the Local Government Act 2019, if the proposal is approved by a majority of voters in Cork city, the Minister will submit a report to the Oireachtas with legislative proposals for an election of a Lord Mayor by the people of Cork City. The Oireachtas will then consider the legislation. If the law is passed, a direct election for Lord Mayor of Cork with executive functions will take place.
If the proposal is not approved by a majority of voters in Cork city, the current balance of powers and functions in Cork City Council will not be changed without legislation.