Laois Local Election Q & A: Immigration and land zoning top issues
Independent Ireland candidate Patsy Fennell is a Timahoe shopkeeper and farmer
What are your priorities?
Immigration and refugee status. When migrants come into Ireland they are put into places not suitable for them with no local consultation.
They are in Stradbally and I hear they are coming to another village in my area.
Land rezoning is also very unfair. If land is rezoned from agriculture to development, the landowner is forced to pay thousands of euros. It's a modern way of eviction.
What is the biggest issue facing your area?
In my area of Timahoe I have a shop and a small disadvantaged farm. I don't qualify for business grants because I wasn't able to afford to pay rates. We need the grants more than anyone. There are not enough grants given to small businesses in rural areas.
Small shops like mine are outlets, a hub in communities. If we go, Timahoe will be another ghosttown, like Vicarstown. There are no developments there, the Government is not helping out.
Housing is also a big issue.
A worry for people is the number of applicants for IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Service). A lot of them are single males. Where will they go?
Why do you think you would make a good councillor?
I'm on the ground, meeting people every day. I hear their problems at ground level, they come to me.
Patsy Fennell is a candidate in the Graiguecullen Portarlington Municipal District. In the lead up to polling day on June 7 The Leinster Express / Laois Live will be featuring profiles on all 47 candidates vying for one of the 19 seats on Laois County Council.