Laois Local Election Q & A: teenager a 'Proud Portarlington man'

What are your priorities?

I am a proud Portarlington and Laois man, the main theme for my campaign is 'a local candidate, for local needs'. My family and I have a strong ties to Portarlington and surrounding areas with all of us involved in many community and business organisations in Laois.

If elected I want to help build my community by continuing to engage with all people & groups firstly in meeting their individual needs but also to build communities by supporting local organisations and helping them access assistance and funding from government programmes.

Housing is another key priority of mine and I believe that elected officials must be more keyed into the needs of local people which must be prioritised. I will be seeking and ensuring that Laois County Council to be more involved and accountable to local communities in allocation and meeting housing needs.

Portarlington and surrounding areas have become a commuter community and there is a need for rebalancing for local enterprise so that the town and its surrounding communities have more sustainable development so more people can work and live in their communities. I want to prioritise local enterprise and our local small business who are facing challenges every day. 

In Education, it is important that our local secondary school is developed to meet the growing population of the town and also the improvement and access of third level courses at Portarlington Further Education and Training Centre. 

What is the biggest issue facing your area?

One of the most important issues facing our town is our local Garda station. I am going to fight for an upgrade of our local Garda Station as it is vital that local communities can engage with local Gardai and an upgraded Garda station with lengthy opening hours will best serve our great community to ensure a safe town for all. 

Why do you think you would make a good County Councillor?

I know that if I get elected to Laois County Council, that I will bring a fresh perspective. I am one of the youngest candidates in the country and I believe that I will bring that extra bit of energy that is badly needed in Laois County Council. I want to proudly represent the people of Portarlington - Graiguecullen LEA and the only thing I promise to the people who live in the LEA, that I will work my hardest for them.

Joey Kennedy 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.