Liam Walsh (Green Party), Tullamore

We sent a questionnaire to all 12 candidates running in the Tullamore Electoral Area in the forthcoming Offaly County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Offaly Independent last Friday.

ADDRESS: 44 Tegan Court, Screggan, Tullamore

PARTY: Green Party

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Derelict Buildings to be brought back into use. Greater opportunities for people with disabilities and carers. Listen, engage and act with and for the farming community. Improving public transport for rural and urban dwellers. Developing our greenways, walkways, cycleways, bogs, peatlands and monastic sites for greater tourism in Offaly

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

To bring a fresh, new voice and impact change. To keep climate action and biodiversity on the agenda. To listen and work with the farming communities to create a sustainable future.

Improve lighting in towns and villages. To work with the council staff on town-centre first plans, while maintaining a real sense of history and place.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Firstly, lack of affordable housing – a lot of frustration around young adults still living at home unable to get on the property ladder. Secondly, better road infrastructure when planning new housing developments and better communication with existing residents who may be impacted.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

My Dad, from a family of six in West Limerick, he was always hard working, respectful, honest and humble. He always encouraged me to follow my dreams, believe in myself and work with people to get things done. He always believed “By working together you always achieve more”.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I worked with Macra Na Feirme as a Training & Development Officer.