Hugh Egan (Fine Gael), 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: Hugh Egan

ADDRESS: Straduff, Ballinahown, Athlone.

PARTY: Fine Gael

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Sport, in particular GAA, wellbeing, and mental health. Agriculture and the environment in the work that I do. Rural enterprise, and creating a sustainable living for all.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I'm running because I have a deep passion and interest in working with people. I see my area not benefiting fully from the community, social and environmental improvement schemes that are available. Road networks are deteriorating and there is no one to fight the case for this large rural area taking in Doon, Ferbane, Belmont, Cloghan and Pullough.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Housing, not alone social but the ability of young people on good salaries to provide their own home and save for a deposit. This is related to the current income tax and Revenue situation. The migrant situation is also an issue and directly relates to housing and the provision of services. Of course, the windmills and green energy. Health services, agri and environmental concerns also.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

Michael Collins. In terms of a local person, it would be Kieran Keenaghan, Banagher. His story, as one of the founders of Banagher Concrete, is inspirational.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I'm guaranteed to be straight upright and considerate. I'm prepared to research issues and give a balanced view. I'll call it as it is.