Mayor John Moran has confirmed he has submitted a motion calling for the formal recording of all full council meetings.
The motion, which will be co-sponsored by a member of the chamber, is set to be brought before the next meeting of the full council. It seeks to ensure that all live-streamed meetings are recorded in full and published on the council’s website within two working days.
The issue has been debated for several years but has yet to secure majority approval. However, the Mayor said there are no longer any practical barriers to implementing the change.
“This is not a new idea,” he said. “Some members have pushed for this for a long period, but it has never been accepted here in Limerick. We have the technology, we know the cost is not at the level previously suggested, and importantly, I am proposing a funding pathway that protects core services in any event. There is no remaining practical barrier, and I believe the time has come for fuller visibility on council affairs.”
Mr. Moran added that greater transparency is essential for public trust, noting that proceedings in Dáil Éireann, Seanad Éireann and Oireachtas committees are routinely recorded and made publicly available.
“Open debate is fundamental to democracy,” he said. “If we expect public trust, we must ensure that our deliberations are visible and accessible.”
Under the proposal, written minutes would continue to serve as the formal statutory record in line with existing legislation. Video recordings would supplement this record by providing the public with access to full, unedited proceedings on the Council’s official website.
Responding to previous concerns about the potential misuse of video clips, the mayor said publishing complete recordings would be the strongest safeguard against misrepresentation.