Transforming Local Government and Local Democracy in Ireland Symposium
At the University of Limerick
RSVP: Catherine.McCarthy@ul.ie

This symposium, which is open to community members, practitioners and academics, will address the changing landscape of local government and local democracy in Ireland with specific relevance to Limerick. The creation of a new Unitary Authority for Limerick City and Council, the integration of the Limerick Regeneration Agency within the new authority and the proposed alignment of Local Partnership Companies with the local authorities; are important initiatives in this regard. The symposium will also specifically address the role of civil society and the potential for strengthening local democracy amidst these changes.

Key Note Speakers
Jan O’Sullivan, Minister of State in the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for Housing and Planning
Conn Murray Limerick County and City Manager,
Paul Lawless, Professor of Urban Policy and former director of the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University
Rob Atkinson, Professor of Urban Policy & Urban Research, University of West of England.

Presenters and Panellists
Merritt Bucholz, Professor of Architecture at the University of Limerick,
Rosie Webb, Senior Executive Architect Galway City Council,
Dr. Brid Quinn, Lecturer in Public Administration at the University of Limerick,
Anne Kavanagh, Chief Executive PAUL Partnership Limerick,
Pat Dolan, Professor and UNESCO Chair in Youth Civic Engagement NUIG,
David O’Connor, Fingal County Manager (Dublin).

Details
•        The symposium is organised by the Institute for the Study of Knowledge in Society (ISKS) at the University of Limerick, the Life Course Institute at NUI Galway, Supporting Social Inclusion and
          Regeneration in Limerick and the Limerick City of Learning.

•        Attendance is free and open to all those who wish to attend. Tea / Coffee and Lunch will be provided. Places are limited and attendees are encouraged to reply early to guarantee a place.

•        RSVP to: Catherine.McCarthy@ul.ie or Phone 061.213096 / 0860269103

Information on the Key Note Speakers

Minister Jan O’Sullivan
Jan O’Sullivan is a TD from Limerick City and the Minister of State in the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for Housing and Planning. As the ‘super junior’ Minister, she also has a place at the Cabinet table. She has committed herself to a transformation in the state’s attitude to housing, so that all citizens regardless of means can aspire to a life in a secure home; and addressing planning reform, so that developer-led planning and rezoning is brought to a halt. 

Conn Murray Limerick County and City Manager
Conn Murray is the former Manager for Waterford and County Louth. He was recently appointed as the new Manager of Limerick City and County Local Authorities where he will lead the amalgamation of both local authorities. Conn is a member of the County & City Manager’s Association and serves on the Housing Committee, Working Group on Voluntary & Co-operative Housing and the Affordable Housing Partnership among others. Conn is a member of the Ageing Well Network and he led Ireland’s first Age Friendly County initiative in County Louth.

Professor Paul Lawless Sheffield Hallam University
Paul Lawless is Professor of Urban Policy and Assistant Dean at Sheffield Hallam University. He is the former director of the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR). He has more than 20 years experience of working within and researching urban regeneration. He was the Chief Evaluator of the New Deal for Communities Initiative, a multi billion pound investment aimed at tackling multiple deprivation in 39 neighbourhoods all over England.

Professor Rob Atkinson University of West of England
Rob Atkinson is Professor of Urban Policy and Urban Research and Director in the Department of Planning and Architecture, University of the West of England, Bristol. He is also a member of the Department’s Centre for Sustainable Planning and Environments. For the last thirty years he has been involved in research, teaching and policy work related to cities in Britain and the EU, with a focus on social exclusion and spatial development with particular reference to urban areas and their relationship with the wider territory. A key aspect of this work has been a concern with sustainability and the nature of sustainable urban development.