'Born and bred' Portlaoise teacher and GAA coach to run in Laois local election

A Portlaoise GAA coach and schoolteacher has thrown his hat into the upcoming Laois local elections.

Tommy Mulligan has been teaching for over 20 years at Scoil Bhride NS in Knockmay.

In Portlaoise GAA club he is Joint Secretary, Irish Officer, and part of the management team for the senior footballers.

He has decided to run as an independent candidate, in the hotly contested seven seat Portlaoise Municipal District, with sport and education facilities his top priorities.

Speaking to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, Tommy described himself as "born and bred" in Portlaoise, growing up in Craydon Court and now living on the Abbeyleix Road.

"I was always interested in local affairs, politics and the community, and I have a grá for Portlaoise and Laois. I see this as an opportunity now to put myself forward," he said.

Tommy Mulligan on the sideline at a past Leinster Senior Cup Final. Photo: Alf Harvey

He sat in the gallery at Laois County Council meetings for the past few months to see local Government in action.

"It was an education for me, to see how the parties engage or don't engage with each other, and get an insight into the runnings. They were all very nice to me," he said.

He is keen to have a hand in developing Portlaoise as it rapidly grows.

"I would love to be a part of anything that improves life in Portlaoise and the district. All the building and development that has gone on in the area over the last 30 years has not been matched in any way with the provision of appropriate amenities for the people who live locally.

"There were more amenities in this town when I was growing up 30 years ago when the population was a third of what it is now. I think it’s a very sad reflection of how sporting and recreational facilities have not been prioritised to match the expansion of the town. With the population of Portlaoise expected to grow to over 26,000 by 2027 there is a huge shortage of sport facilities and recreational areas," Tommy said.

He cites Portlaoise Panthers basketball club and Portlaoise athletic club as two huge clubs without their own facilities.

"With all the other distractions in modern life, it’s a challenge to attract and retain youngsters when the facilities are sub-standard or even non-existent. Laois Hockey Club is currently homeless. They have no adequate facilities for training purposes and shockingly, are forced to rent pitches in Kilkenny and Tullamore to play their home matches.

"The same scenario is repeated for so many clubs and groups locally. I want to highlight the urgent need for the development of facilities for these clubs and groups, through the development of individual or a multi-sport complex in the area. It will also have potential knock-on benefits in attracting people to the area, providing jobs, and boosting the local economy."

He also highlights the shortage of enrolment places in special needs classes.

"Children with additional and complex needs are just not getting the services they require.

"There are huge waiting lists for appropriate educational placements and parents and families are incredibly frustrated. Many parents are extremely stressed and worried about where their child will be in September.

"It is the sad reality that some of the most vulnerable and deserving children in our area are forced to travel long distances, often outside of the county, to attend school. Education is a basic right set down in our constitution, but it’s so, so difficult for many children to attain. The parents of these children are the heroes of our community, and their children should be receiving priority treatment, not be pushed around in constant uncertainty and limbo.

"There is a need for significant political pressure to advocate for further school places or indeed another stand-alone school complex in Laois," Tommy Mulligan said.

On housing he said "everyone is affected" and wants continued extra private, social and affordable homes created.

On immigration, he said "people have got to be consulted and engaged with on future plans for integration".

"I'm looking forward to meeting people on the doorsteps," he added.

The local elections will take place in June 2024.