Laois Local Election Q & A: Portlaoise candidate presents positive vision for future

What are your priorities?
Ensure that more affordable public homes are built, that vacant properties are brought back into use as homes and services and that homeowners can easily make their homes warmer and more energy efficient.
Enhance access to quality, inclusive healthcare and safe, public spaces and facilities, ensuring that our air and water is clean and that our nature is protected.
Endeavour to make our communities more inclusive and vibrant places, enhancing and protecting biodiversity, culture, built and living heritage.

What is the biggest issue facing your area?
There is a lack of affordable and public housing, little healthcare availability, school places are running low and our sports facilities don’t match our talent.
Portlaoise has the fastest growing population of young people in the country and we need a positive, longer-term vision for their future. Our Council should regularly consult with our communities to ensure that it is delivering for their needs.

Why do you think you would make a good County Councillor?
I have a Degree in Social Science and Masters in Social Policy and Human Rights and Governance. I worked in Legal Aid for four years and for the last three years I have worked for Minister Pippa Hackett in the constituency. I have been volunteering in the Community for many years.
I know the job, I live, work and actively volunteer in our community, I listen to their needs and work tirelessly to address them. I have a positive vision for the future of our area and I am ready to work to deliver it.

Rosie Palmer is a Green Party 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.