Laois Local Election Q & A: 'Vacancy and dereliction need to be addressed'

What are your priorities?

More affordable and a greater variety of housing. Housing that matches how people live - we need, for example, to plan for more 'right size' housing, for both young and older people and for the increasing number of people who live on their own.
Vacancy and dereliction need to be addressed sooner rather than later. The longer it's left the costlier it is.
Older and vulnerable people are particularly disadvantaged by what is effectively digital exclusion – from services like banking, mobile phone companies, energy providers and key government departments.

A lowering of the speed limit as planned for next year is a real opportunity to see what more can be done to reduce traffic volumes in our small towns and villages, and to continue to develop the active travel systems that have proven so popular with people.

What is the biggest issue facing your area?

The area is too varied for one big issue. From small rural communities to larger more ‘commuter’ towns, people want a better quality of life but they also want much more of a say in what that means.

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

I’m hard working, with a lot of experience and a track record of working constructively with people to get things done in my own community. I enjoy a new challenge, bring vision and ideas, while at the same time being practical and solution focused.

Fiona Dunne 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.