Laois Local Election Q & A: 'Young families totally underrepresented'

What are your priorities?  

My priorities are roads, housing, street lighting, and playgrounds which are basic services not being maintained in our local areas. It should be easy to deal with this, but clearly it is not happening, I intend to find out why and try to fix these problems if elected to serve on the council. 

What is the biggest issue facing your area?  

Childcare is a big issue for a lot of people.  As a young father I’m aware of how important it is.  There is a successful model in Killadooley childcare, a state of the art community owned, not for profit childcare facility which is co-located with the primary school.  While my father was a councillor, he delivered this €1.3 million investment within the local community.  But this has not been developed across Laois and this will be a priority for me.  With both parents working in most homes, it needs to be delivered to ensure the long-term future of our primary schools.  These big projects are achievable with the right people and support from central government.  Basic services need to be maintained but there is huge potential to deliver on ambitious projects that can really impact our communities.   

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

Young families are totally underrepresented on the current Council.  Fresh ideas, energy and hard work are needed, with the challenges people are facing.  I have loved meeting and listening to people at the door and working within my community already, I hope that I will be able to continue that and believe I have the skills and experience needed. 

Brian Phelan 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.