Housing is the biggest social and economic issue in our country.

We need an appropriate mix of social, affordable, and private housing across Carlow. Since being elected I have successfully changed the council policy to expand Affordable Housing Schemes outside of Carlow Town and into Tullow and Bagenalstown.

I have supported plans to zone more land for housing alongside the necessary infrastructure to enable that development.

The work that local community groups do is invaluable. I support them by advocating for more funding and resources to enable them to continue the voluntary work that they do.

I help and assist groups with my discretionary funding, town & village funding, local enhancement programme, climate change grants, and a number of other funding streams.

Agriculture and Industry play a vital role in our local economy.

They are the backbone of our rural communities. Coming from a family business, Wards Fruit & Veg and Health store, I have a deep understanding of small business and its importance to the community and economy. My grandad is a farmer and through him I have an appreciation for the work that farmers do to feed us. No farm No food.

I have been working at a local, national, and EU level to reduce red tape and bureaucracy within both these sectors.

I am passionate about education equality. I believe every person should have the opportunity to an appropriate education. I support increased funding and resources for special education classrooms in our area.

Since being elected I have met with senior government leaders to advocate for increased supports. Education is not just in the classroom and therefore I have worked on projects to support young people outside of school such as the “My Open Library” initiative which provides greater access to the library outside normal operating times. You can find out more about this here.

Climate change is real. We need to support people to practically change their behaviour and use the need for action as an opportunity.

I have been working with the NTA, TFI, and Local Link to advocate for increased public transport services across Carlow. I have also secured funding for the council to improve bus stops under the “Bus Stop Enhance

Since being elected I have built a strong relationship with An Garda Siochana.

We work together to identify and respond to local policing issues and anti-social behaviour. I have attended a number of meetings with the Superintendent to represent the issues constituents have raised with me in relation to local policing.

I got involved in politics because I was attracted to the idea of seeing something in my community that I think is wrong or could be better and doing something about it.

As a councillor I continue to campaign on issues in the community. I have been working with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland to hold events, training days, and work with businesses to help build a “Dementia Inclusive County”. I have also been working with the community section in the council and Carlow Regional Youth Services on a drugs awareness campaign which I secured funding for. This aims to inform and educate young people on the danger of using drugs and the alternative coping mechanisms available.