Laois Local Election Q & A: Portlaoise candidate says cost of living crisis is key

What are your priorities? 

• Supporting parents with children who have additional needs to have appropriate local access to essential services in a timely manner. 
• Out-of-hours mental health support service. 
• Working to reduce GP waiting lists.
• Working to reduce the congestion during school traffic.
• Supporting local clubs to achieve their desire of a fit-for-purpose sports centre.
• Cost of living crisis has impacted significantly on families.

What is the biggest issue facing your area?

From community engagement, the biggest issues facing the area is  accessing necessary services and infrastructure to support a developing town that has doubled in population in the last twenty years and the cost of living crisis has really had a significant impact on people.

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

As a mental health nurse, I have a depth of experience in advocating for people which is the core role of a County Councillor. 

I am genuine, I listen to people and care about the bread and butter issues that are impacting them in their day to day lives. As a senior nurse manager, I have a great ability to lead people. As a new candidate, I bring a fresh perspective and a dynamic energy to the issues being raised by people in Portlaoise. I think in logical ways and have years of experience in creating strategic plans that achieve results. All of this, combined with compassion and common sense is what I believe would make me a good county councillor.

Martha Ryan 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.