John Moran has been inaugurated as the Mayor of Limerick at a ceremony at St Mary's Cathedral in the city and said citizens voted for change and unity.

Directly elected by the people, the mayor has pledged to be answerable to them.

Upon receiving the mayoral chain of office, Mr Moran was asked by Limerick children, Shaheer Ghaffer, Sean Fitzgerald and Tia Costelloe if he will do his best to make Limerick a better place for all and promise to serve the people of Limerick to the best of his ability.

"I will," Mayor Moran said.

He said Limerick not only voted for change, it also united as "One Limerick", declaring that it sees its own strength in its diversity.

"Let those who try to sow division in our society hear that message clearly. Limerick voted for a vision of one Limerick and a Limerick which will include everyone," he said during his speech.

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Mayor Moran said during his term, he wants to see a Limerick where renting or buying a home is a more realistic ambition.

He said he wants to see a Limerick where if people fall sick, "they can approach our healthcare services not in fear but with a confidence that will be treated with the care and respect they above all deserve."

Mayor Moran will attend his first council meeting at 3pm, where he will be joined by 40 councillors who were also recently elected.

Earlier, speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Moran said it is a great day for Limerick.

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"I've been blown away by how the people have suddenly embraced this new democratic way of electing a mayor for their region. That, I think, is hopefully a model that will soon spread across the country".

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The direct election of a Mayor of Limerick with executive powers has created a unique dynamic in local government in Ireland.

Mr Moran said he believes Limerick can rival any region in Europe.

"I am looking forward to working with the elected councillors and the council executive over the next five years, to deliver a more liveable, ambitious and prosperous Limerick," he said.