Neil Feighery (Fine Gael), 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.

NAME: Neil Feighery

ADDRESS: Holmshill, Blueball, Tullamore

PARTY: Fine Gael.

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Urban regeneration and rural development.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I have been privileged to serve as a councillor. I am seeking a renewed mandate to build on my first five years as an energetic councillor for the Tullamore area who has demonstrated hard work, commitment and delivery for constituents across the Tullamore MD.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

The condition of the road network is a continuous challenge and in Offaly this is exacerbated by the extent of our roads built on peat foundations. Funding has increased in recent years but we must secure a special allocation from the Department of Transport for our road network. Housing continues to be a challenge but in April, 18,182 homes commenced, this figure is up 605% on the same period last year. It is hugely important that housing supply continues to increase as capacities within the industry improve. I will prioritise the delivery of affordable homes in the coming council term. My party Fine Gael is the party of home ownership and schemes like ‘Help to Buy’ and ‘First Home’ demonstrate this.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

Richard Bruton is the politician I most admire. He has dedicated his life to public service. I had the opportunity to work closely with Richard and I saw first-hand his work ethic and effectiveness as Minister.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I can hold tune with Raglan Road as my party piece.