Tipperary politician calls for movement on Clonmel parking charges

Q. Mayor Richie, thank you for entering my No-Spin Zone. All the ‘political waffle’ must be left at the door as we get to the real issues. Firstly, tell me briefly about your family?
A. I’m married to Sangeeta, a native of India. I have two children, Ria and Oishin. I myself am born and raised in Clonmel.

Q. What’s your political experience to date?
A. I’ve been successfully elected since 2004 in the Clonmel electoral area.

Q. You’re aligned with TD Mattie McGrath. Tell us about that?
A. We’re both very independent minded and both didn’t like the party structures. We work really well together on issues, and being with Mattie gives me direct access to the Dáil.

Q. What do you think will be the biggest issue on the doorsteps when you go canvassing in the lead up to the June elections?
A. Housing will be big, both social & private. Other big issues will be immigration, water and also a lack of access to GPs.

Q. To immigration - the Taoiseach has said that nobody has a right to veto who lives in their community. Is he right?
A. Communities must always be consulted, full-stop.

Q. Minister Eamon Ryan said recently that “Ireland is not full” in relation to Ukrainian refugees, and he confirmed that there are approximately 80,000 Ukrainians still in Ireland. Is he right about Ireland not being full, and what’s your opinion on that?
A. I feel that we are full. We cannot house our own at present and we can’t provide healthcare to our own. So, until that’s fixed, Ireland will have to call a halt.

Q. The whole country is talking about Roscrea. What’s your full opinion on that?

IMMIGRANTS
A. My sympathies are with both the people of Roscrea and the misfortunate immigrants. The entire fiasco showed how important it is that local people are involved in any process and the total lack of communication in this instance was breathtaking. My own opinion would be that there is a total lack of resources in Roscrea for such a large number of immigrants, and resources should be put in first by Government such as more GP’s, dentists, teachers, etc and the people of Roscrea have been very unfairly portrayed by the national media. The people of Roscrea are simply stating the facts that Roscrea has played it’s part already in the number of immigrants that they facilitated over the years and that the resources are simply not available at present.

Q. What did you make of the 14 migrants that were found in a trailer in Rosslare recently?
A. I was totally shocked by that. It would make you question how secure our ports are and if there are more illegal migrants than what we know about. The Government must do more about this issue.

Q. Conor McGregor is constantly criticising politicians for their lack of action on various issues, including immigration. What’s your opinion on him, and does his interventions worry you?
A. The danger of celebrities getting involved, if they don’t know the facts, is that their views influence so many online. If they feel so passionate, then they should put their name on a ballot in an election.

Q. Is social media becoming toxic at times? Are politicians getting more abuse online now?
A. It is more toxic. The keyboard warriors are becoming a force to be reckoned with. It’s so easy to type horrible comments late at night at home.

FAMILY CARERS

Q. You are known as a massive advocate for family carers. What does the Government need to do to help carers?
A. They need to provide more practical resources such as home respite, and for the means-test on carers allowance to be abolished.

Q. In the 2019 County Council election, you got the 5th out of 6 seats in Clonmel. Are you in danger of not getting elected this time around?
A. You’re on your own as an Independent so it’s always very challenging. I’d hope to be successful based on my work record to date, and I’m classed as transfer-friendly. Getting a number one is very important to me.

Q. Shockingly, Tipperary is now the worst county in Ireland for road deaths. If you get elected, what are you going to do about this?
A. Before the election even happens, I’m planning a multi-agency event with the support of The Rotary Club, that will enter schools and show youngsters the consequences of accidents. I’ll also keep pushing the council to improve our roads.

Q. What is your greatest achievement as a county councillor?
A. Helping people achieve their aims and get past bureaucracy, which I’ve done so many times. It’s the greatest feeling in the world.

PARKING CHARGES

Q. Clonmel has the highest car-parking rates in county Tipperary. Why is that, and what will you do about it if elected?
A. I’ve been arguing for years that the cost of parking in Clonmel is prohibitive. On-street parking should be free from 9am to 11am to allow the hundreds of parents to park and occupy the town centre. I will continue to press this issue if elected.

Q. Water is a big issue and water outages are a massive issue in Clonmel. Should Irish Water be shut down, and what should happen instead?
A. I feel that Irish Water was a total waste of money setting it up in the first place. The council should be running it and we could then hold them to account. Irish Water is accountable to nobody right now.

Q. Only 22% of councillors in county Tipperary are female. How do you think we can attract more women into politics?
A. Great question. It’s very important that more females come into politics. We want to see an Ireland with a balanced participation of women and men in political life. We need to take away any barrier that is obstructing women entering.

Q. The city of Limerick will soon be getting to vote for their Mayor, and he/she will have separate powers and a financial budget. Is that something you would like to see in Clonmel?
A. A directly elected Mayor would be a good thing for Clonmel if there was a separate budget with no Government interference.

Q. What is the one thing you would like to see change with how Tipperary County Council operates?
A. I’d love a return to the old system of getting straight through to an operator when you ring, instead of an automated system that frustrates many people.

Q. Not one fine was issued by Tipperary County Council for dog fouling over the last two years. Is that lack of enforcement acceptable?
A. The national law seems to be the issue here and it needs to be reviewed. More dispensers are also needed on the streets.

Q. There are presently 780,000 people sitting on HSE lists waiting for an appointment of some type. Is that a national disgrace?
A. Absolutely that it is a national disgrace. It’s so disappointing that the HSE get more funding each year, but the services then take longer. There’s too much bureaucracy in the HSE. A&E and mental health facilities are inadequate. If more money was put into respite, A&E may not be needed.

Q. Final question – In one sentence, why should people vote for Mayor Richie Molloy in June?
A. I’m asking for your number one vote on this occasion as a councillor with a proven track record, and someone that really does care for his community. It’s so vital that people vote, so please check that you’re registered, either through the council website or by contacting me directly. Non-nationals can also vote if they’re registered.
Cara: Thanks for entering my No-Spin Zone Mayor Richie. Good luck in the upcoming election.