Laois Local Election Q & A: Traffic is a big issue Abbeyleix candidate in Portlaoise area

What are your priorities?
My priorities are to provide more affordable housing, social housing on Council lands and serviced sites to support families that want to get on the property ladder.
I want to ensure that people in Laois have a better quality of life and participate in more outdoor activities. There is also a growing need to have a Community Grants Liaison Person to assist community groups in accessing funding.
It is a priority for me to ensure that there are more services for people with disabilities. It is important to provide more school places, in particular when transitioning from national school to secondary school.

What is the biggest issue facing your area?
Traffic through the main street in Abbeyleix is a big issue. More discussions need to take place with the relevant bodies to reduce the volume of HGVs that drive through Abbeyleix and surrounding villages. After discussing with local people in the area, road safety is a major issue. Speed control, junction improvements and traffic calming measures are concerns.
It is noted that our area needs a new multi-sports community facility. This is needed for all sporting and community groups, as participation in sport has increased dramatically.

Why do you think you would make a good County Councillor?
I have 25 years’ experience as a County Councillor. I have always been involved in community work, such as Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, Abbeyleix Park Development Committee and other development committees in our local area. I am a good communicator. I also have the ability to work with different communities in the area to see projects through from start to finish.

John Joe Fennelly 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.