Limerick's roads are at capacity. We need a transport plan to move people, not just cars. We need more buses, more frequently, on more routes; and we need an integrated segregated cycle network.
I completely oppose the construction of an incinerator at the Irish Cement plant in Mungret. I'm looking at the environmental science, and I'll let you know what I find.
We need a city centre people can live in, work in, get around, and use. We need more housing: but there's no point just building on more out-of-town greenfield sites. We need to develop the vacant sites in the city.
The Council has engaged architects to create a masterplan for the Baggot Estate - Rosbrien - Toppin’s Field area. Draft plans will be published next month for consultation: I want to hear your views.
On May 24th, as well as the Council and European Parliament elections, we'll have a vote to decide if Limerick should have a directly elected Mayor. I'll be encouraging you to vote Yes, for democracy and accountability.
Ireland needs a city in the west to balance Dublin. That city should be Limerick. We're halfway between Cork and Galway, and have Foynes Port & Shannon Airport. We should be planning for Limerick as Ireland's second city.
My name is Breandán Anraoi MacGabhann, and I am running in the Local Elections in Limerick City West.
I’m a Lecturer in Geography at Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick. Geography isn’t just rivers and mountains – it’s about everything. Transport, housing, economics, pollution, politics, weather, education, sport – it’s just about where it’s happening, and why. Well, this is the age of where. Here in Limerick, we have challenges in where to build housing; where to put roads, bus lanes, and cycle lanes; where shops and businesses are and aren’t; where we might have air and water pollution; where is most at risk from flooding and extreme weather like Hurricane Ophelia and the Beast from the East – and many more.
I’m not an expert in all of these issues, of course, nobody could be – but my geographical perspective would bring something completely different to Limerick City and County Council.
Doctorate (PhD) from Earth and Ocean Sciences, NUI Galway
Lecturer in Geography at Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick
Previously worked at the University of Edinburgh, and Edge Hill University in Liverpool
MIC Camogie team assistant coach, still plays hurling (although not, admittedly, particularly well)
Often found in the Mackey Stand at the Gaelic Grounds, and the West Stand of Thomond Park
I grew up in Belfast in the 1980s and 1990s, during the Troubles. My parents were from the nationalist Falls Road area. Growing up, we had to be interested in politics. We didn’t have the luxury of ignoring it. With the Good Friday Agreement, I saw what politics can achieve.
So, I’m not getting involved to ‘play politics’ like it’s a team sport. I’m not just looking to win an election for the sake of winning. I’m running because I want to help make a difference. I want to use my scientific knowledge not just in an academic context, but to benefit Limerick.
In the UK, the Brexit campaign said that the British people “had enough of experts”. Look what that brought them. I think it’s time for us to have experts, including geographers, not just advising the Council, but actually on the Council. If you agree, I would be proud to represent you on Limerick City and County Council.
Campaigns are expensive. I’ll be spending a lot of my own money on leaflets, posters, and advertising – but the more I can do, the more people I can reach. If it’s within your means to make a donation, anything you can give would be tremendously appreciated.
If you can’t help financially, but would like to contribute in some other way, let me know, and I’ll get in touch.
This morning I had a 90 minute meeting with Bus Éireann’s national Network Manager Robert O’Mahony, and Limerick Services Manager Bláithin McElligott, to discuss my research and proposals to improve service on the 304 and other Read more…
On Wednesday morning (13th), I will be meeting Bus Éireann’s Limerick Services Manager to discuss my research and recommendations for the 304/304A bus route. I’ve had plenty of feedback so far, but the more the Read more…
On Saturday (9 March), I got back from a week-long field trip teaching the Mary Immaculate College second year geographers to find my house had been broken into. The front door had been jammed open, Read more…