Laois Local Election Q & A: 'Decline of Mountmellick needs to be tackled'

What are your priorities?

Rural road upgrades and resurfacing, a relief road for Mountmellick and flood defences for both the town of Mountmellick and the rural houses close to the rivers. A voice for farmers and rural dwellers, Town and Village plans for the development of Mountmellick, Ballyfin, Rosenallis and Clonaslee, Planning permission; Provision of serviced sites and to support the building of eco friendly affordable timber homes and representing the views of the people of my area.

What is the biggest issue facing your area?

The biggest issues facing my area are rural roads in bad condition with many needing full resurfacing. The lack of a relief road for Mountmellick is causing both heavier vehicles and heavier volumes of vehicles to use the surrounding rural roads which were never designed for this, to break up and has made it extremely dangerous for those living along these roads. The ongoing decline of Mountmellick needs to be tackled urgently and the increasing levels of red tape and changing “goal posts” is adversely affecting farmers and their ability to make a living.

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

I’m progressive. I have over 20 years experience of delivering in various organisations, serving on different local, county and national committees, all of which are community focused. I have a strong business background and I’m a farmer giving me a much broader knowledge and perspective. I have strong interpersonal skills and I care.

Paddy Buggy 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.