Laois Local Election Q & A: 'Fresh thinking and new ideas needed'

What are your priorities?

My priority in my area is housing, in particular two bedroom houses where there are smaller families that wouldn’t qualify for a three or four bedroom house.

Also ASD units for schools there is such a widespread shortage of units with such a high demand for them. Errill primary school is one at the moment that needs to be addressed, the flood works for Mountmellick and Clonaslee needs urgent attention as homes and businesses cannot afford to be flooded again. A relief road around Mountmellick to take the hundreds of lorries that pass through the town on a daily basis, an easing of paid parking in the centre of Mountmellick, it’s killing small business. In meeting with shop owners they have told me this, giving start up businesses a break from rates, spread it out over a three year period to allow them to become established and profitable bringing life back to our towns and villages. Traffic calming measures on the Tullamore Road out of Clonaslee are needed. I live there, the speed is extremely bad, something needs to be done before someone loses a loved one.

Other priorities include a children’s park in Rosenallis, a shop too the village has been so far left behind, more policing in our area in particular our rural areas, and better infrastructure overall.

If elected to Laois county council, I pledge to do all I can to better our area. I never back down from a challenge, and the people who vote for me will not regret it. We need fresh thinking, new ideas and new ways. I promise I will work hard for you all.

Lorna Holohan Garry 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.