Wed. Dec 4th, 2024

Limerick Candidates to Debate City’s Future at Journalism@UL Public Event

ByMagdalena Tanneberger

Wednesday, 13 November 2024, 21:29 , , ,
Limerick City; picture by Eric Clarke
University of Limerick´s Journalism Department Hosts Live Debate with General Election Candidates, Tackling Key Issues for Limerick City

The University of Limerick’s journalism department will host a public general election debate on Wednesday, November 20. All declared candidates for the Limerick City constituency are invited to present their views on the city’s future in front of a live audience.

Candidates to Present Vision for Limerick’s Future

Political observers predict a competitive race for the four available seats. The debate will address critical issues, including ongoing challenges at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), the demand for social and affordable housing, the rising cost of living, policing in the city centre, and Limerick’s high commercial vacancy rates.

Dr Kathryn Hayes, Course Director of BA Journalism and Digital Communication, will moderate the debate. “The journalism department at UL aims to inject new energy into the political conversation by providing Limerick City candidates a platform to present their policies and visions for the city, and we are hoping to hear from as many candidates as possible,” she said.

The debate will be streamed on the Limerick Voice digital platforms.

Debate Offers Students and Public Insight into Politics

Dr Fergal Quinn, Head of Journalism at UL, highlighted the event’s importance: “This debate is an exciting opportunity for our students and the public to engage directly with the future of Irish politics. We believe it’s crucial to highlight the unique challenges our city is facing and give candidates here a platform to articulate their policies, answer tough questions, and demonstrate their readiness to serve.”

He added: “This event is a critical showcase of what journalism is about: questioning and interrogating the political process.”

Journalism@UL works as a media partner with the Limerick Leader on this event.