Laois Local Election Q & A: 'Too much money being spent in Portlaoise'

What are your priorities?

My priority is to continue to work with community groups, businesses & residents to create sustainable communities that can support local shops and businesses and create employment locally to enhance Laois for both locals and visitors alike.
To achieve this I will continue to focus on housing, services and enhancing our natural environment and rivers for the benefit of all.

What is the biggest issue in your community?

To me Laois is now a commuter county where the vast majority of people leave the county for work. With sustainability being a government priority, we should create the conditions to allow jobs and services in the community for local people.
Supports must be granted to existing and new businesses alike to ensure their viability. We also need to ensure that facilities such as playgrounds, creches, parking and public services are readily available for the community. We must ensure that footpaths, pedestrian crossings, roads, laneways and public lighting are enhanced for the benefit of all.

Why will you make a good councillor?

I have decades of experience working with local community groups and understand the difficulties they are facing intimately. As an independent councillor I will always do what is right for the communities of Laois. If reelected, I vow to continue to fight for services, housing, local employment opportunities and services for the people of Borris in Ossary/Mountmellick Municipal District.

Ollie Clooney 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.