Barbara Daly (Fianna Fáil), Birr

We sent a questionnaire to all 15 candidates running in the Birr Electoral Area in the forthcoming Offaly County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Offaly Independent last Friday.

NAME: Barbara Daly

ADDRESS: 12 Delvin Park, Ferbane.

PARTY: Fianna Fáil.

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

I'm passionate about community-based youth work and volunteering.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

With a background in youth work and volunteering, combined with a professional knowledge of public administration, I want to help shape a better future for West Offaly. I would relish the opportunity to build on my experience for the good of local communities. Public service is a privilege.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

(i) Widespread concern at poor roads infrastructure in rural towns and villages, despite significant Government investment in national roads. Rural dwellers must not be left behind. We need proper roads if we are to develop the rural economy, including tourism and promotion of our unique heritage. Public consultation on all projects which increase traffic is vital.

(ii) The unfair treatment of Offaly in the allocation of Just Transition funds. These funds must be used to improve quality of life, creating real employment and enhancing facilities for communities most affected by climate change polices. The behaviour of Bord na Mona in neglecting Lough Boora Discovery Park reinforces that anger. During the campaign, I highlighted the unfairness of the €5 parking charge at Boora which prompted an immediate response, with the lifting of that charge.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

My late father Eddie Joe Dooley, an inspiring model of selfless public service; using holidays to attend meetings of Offaly County Council, he initially cycled to meetings from Ferbane to Tullamore and across the constituency at a time when councillors received no payment.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I'm ten minutes older than my twin, Séamus Dooley, Offaly Person of the Year 2023!