IT IS OLDER than the Renaissance, printed books and the discovery of America, but after 817 years, Limerick City Council came to an end today.
The local authority held its final meeting this afternoon ahead of its planned merger with Limerick County Council on 1 June.
Kathleen Leddin, the 817th mayor of Limerick, said today was a “nostalgic and historic day tinged with some sadness”.
The council was first established in 1197 as Limerick Corporation, a name it kept until 2002 when it was given its current name. The only break in existence of Limerick Corporation came in the 17th century when the Old English settlers surrendered to Cromwellian forces in 1651, leading to a a gap of five years for the local authority.
Conn Murray, the city and county manager, said the council was already almost 300 years old when Columbus first landed in America and 725 years old when the Irish state achieved independence.
He praised the work of the council, saying it had overseen the “economic and social development of Limerick into a vibrant and progressive city which is now established as a proven location for international business”.
Limerick’s two councils are being merged into one local authority after the local elections as part of a significant overhaul of local government in Ireland.
While Limerick City Council will no longer exist as a separate local authority, the area it formerly administered will become a metropolitan district where councillors will keep the right to elect a mayor.
“In this manner, the identity and traditions of the ancient city of Limerick will continue into the future,” said Murray.
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