The Taoiseach has said a review of the directly elected mayor legislation will take place before the end of the year.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran called on the Government to provide clarity on legislation governing the functioning of his office, amid reports of tensions between him, and local councillors and officials.
Speaking in Limerick, Micheál Martin said the direct mandate for the mayor was a major departure in local governance and needed time to bed in.
The legislation already provides for a review of the office after three years.
"I do believe there will be a review, it will be before the end of the year, which is kind of bringing it forward," he said.
The Taoiseach appealed "to all concerned in the council, to everybody involved to resolve these issues, to work together in the best interests of the people of Limerick".
Mr Moran became the country's first directly elected mayor less that two years ago.
Speaking on RTÉ's Prime Time, Mr Moran acknowledged that there were "teething problems" associated with the role which "could have been avoided".
Today, the Taoiseach said "you do have to give it a bit of time" to make sure "you know what you're reviewing".
He stressed the importance of working together, regardless of the structure.
"Very often there can be tensions between the chief executive officer and councillors, but ultimately people have to work together.
"It was my understanding the legislation was a three-year review when it was legislated but it's one we're keeping an eye on," he said.
Mr Martin also said he was "favourably disposed" to a recommendation from the Citizen’s Assembly that there be a directly elected mayor in Dublin.
"We’ll take learnings from the Limerick situation and obviously that will inform what we do elsewhere in the country."
