Laois Local Election Q & A: Portlaoise candidate claims clear vision and hard work

What are your priorities?

Prioritising social and affordable housing for people with a connection to their local area and increasing the availability of social housing in Portlaoise, smaller towns, and villages.

Advocating for an agreed protocol for farm inspections with local representatives, implementing an agreed Roadside Ash Dieback scheme, and exempting actively farmed land from the Residential Zoned Land Tax.

Streamlining the planning process, advocating for the restriction of planning objections from outside the local area, and supporting rural housing guidelines that allow farmers' children to build and live on their family land.  

Upgrading rural roads and installing new footpaths and streetlights where needed.

 What is the biggest issue facing your area?

Affordable housing is a major issue, affecting everyone from farming families wanting to build on their land to low-income workers in desperate need of social housing. The rising cost of living, especially for home heating and motor fuel, is impacting families and those living alone.

Additionally, many have pointed out that there is a lack of footpaths in some areas, with many needing repairs, and that many rural roads are in poor condition.

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

With decades of experience as an accounts manager in our family  business with 30  employees, I understand the importance of good communication, clear vision, and hard work.

My work in bereavement support with Widow.ie has made me aware of the many difficulties people face. A good County Councillor must be approachable, willing to listen, and have a wide range of experiences, which I feel I have.

Collette Byrne is a candidate in the Portlaoise Municipal District where seven councillors will be elected. 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