This dataset provides a breakdown of the results of three plebiscites on directly-elected mayors with executive functions for Cork City, Limerick City and County, and Waterford City and County. The plebiscites were held in the three local authority functional areas of Cork City, Limerick City and County and Waterford City and County on 24 May 2019, the same day as the European Parliament elections and local elections of 2019. The plebiscites took place under provisions of the Local Government Act 2019. On the plebiscite ballot paper, voters were asked if they approved of the Government’s proposal for a directly-elected mayor/lord mayor with executive functions for their area.
At the time of the plebiscites, the lord mayor/mayor of a council was elected for a one-year term by other councillors. Under the proposals, a lord mayor/mayor would be elected for a five-year term for a maximum of two five-year terms and would have significantly more functions than mayors at the time, including functions previously carried out by the Chief Executive of the city and county council.
Ultimately, the proposal for a directly-elected mayor was passed in Limerick City and County and defeated in Cork City and Waterford City and County. The Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024 was later enacted on 6 March 2024. The first election of a directly-elected mayor of Limerick City and County was held on 7 June 2024
