Laois Local Election Q & A: 'Housing emerges as the biggest issue'

What are your priorities?

My priorities are the revitalization of Rosenallis village, the promotion of The Slieve Bloom Mountains, an Inner Relief Road for Mountmellick and securing home building programmes for every town and village in the Mountmellick/Borris in Ossory Area.

What is the biggest issue facing your area?

Housing emerges as the biggest issue with young people struggling to afford homes, limited rental options, and a need for affordable housing. Health issues resonate strongly as well, with many ineligible for medical cards due to outdated income thresholds. Long hospital waiting lists are a major concern among constituents in my area. Road repair and maintenance concerns are also arising, highlighting the need for infrastructure investment. 
There is an urgent need for the flood relief programme for Mountmellick to begin to allow for development of the town, to help the town commercially and for the safety of people by taking the heavy traffic out of the town.

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

I am a full-time public representative. I bring nearly forty years' experience at local government level.  I am totally committed to the development of The Mountmellick/Borris in Ossory area. I have always been committed to help everybody and to represent all groups in the Mountmellick/Borris in Ossory area regardless of political persuasion and I will continue to do so if I am re-elected.

Seamus McDonald is a candidate in the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District. In the lead up to polling day on June 7 we will be featuring profiles on all 47 candidates vying for a seat on Laois County Council.