Locals quiz Local Election candidates on variety of issues in Newbridge, County Kildare

Locals who attended a meeting featuring Local Election candidates in Newbridge quizzed them on a variety of issues last night.

The event was held on the grounds of Newbridge Town FC, as the Town Hall was unavailable on the night in question, and was organised by Newbridge Community Development (NCD).

Specifically, it was hosted by NCD member Evonne Boland, with assistance from Jennifer Caffrey.

The event commenced at around 8.10pm, and was attended by an estimated 50 locals.

In total, 14 candidates were invited, and nine attended the event last night — they were: Aina Conway (Labour Party), James Garvin (Independent), Cllr Noel Heavey (Fianna Fáil), Ronan Maher (Green Party), Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer (Fine Gael), Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer (Fine Gael), Cllr Chris Pender (Social Democrats), Cllr Rob Power (Fianna Fáil) and James Stokes (Sinn Féin).

The candidates can be seen from left to right in the photograph below.

Although the candidates were asked a plethora of questions by NCD member Richard Kelly, the event was segmented into three main areas: Sustainable Development, Planning, and Transport and Mobility.

Each candidate was asked to give their views on the topic at hand, and after the three segments concluded, the floor was opened up to questions and feedback from audience members, which lasted for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Despite the candidates being of different backgrounds and holding different views, a number of issues were frequently brought up by the candidates, as well as locals: dereliction in the town, a lack of spaces for clubs and facilities, inadequate public transport, and housing to accommodate the growing population of Newbridge.

When asked for what she thought about the event, one audience member, Orla O'Neill, told the Leinster Leader: "The event was a masterclass in participative democracy, and well done to NCD for organising it.

"It was very useful to interrogate the track record of current candidates and to get the measure of those standing for the first time."

An audience member discussing their views at the meeting.

She added: "The Town Square development in Kilcullen is dragging on for over seven years now, and we need the new Cllrs to make good on the commitments they made last night."

"Transport and connectivity with other towns is also a huge issue for people without access to private transport, particularly young people," Ms O'Neill concluded.

The event concluded just shy of 10pm.

Cllr Rob Power speaking at the meeting. Cllr Chris Pender is on his left and candidate James Stokes is on his right.