My Vision For Kilkenny
To work towards a more liveable and inclusive Kilkenny. By liveable, I mean:
A Kilkenny that is easy for everyone to get around
I am thinking specifically of pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair and other mobility aid users, those with visual and hearing impairments, children, the elderly and those pushing buggies. The Green Party calls this ‘active travel’ and Green Party Leader and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan is responsible for a significant investment in infrastructure improvements since formation of the current Government in 2020. A city that is easy to get around has an integrated and adequate public transport system. I am working with my Council colleagues and employees, local businesses and members of the public to identify projects for inclusion in funding rounds.
In 2013 / 14, I actively campaigned against the building of the St Francis Bridge and the Central Access Scheme. I did so because of the environmental damage the Nore sustained, the damage to the integrity of the then intact Cathedral Close and the failure of the County Council to prioritise completion of the Ring Rd as an alternative. In this campaign, ‘Save Kilkenny’, I was joined by my Green Party colleague and then Councillor, Malcolm Noonan and many others. I continue to push for the completion of the Ring Road and to object to developments which bring more cars into the town centre.
A Kilkenny that has clean air and water and is litter free
I am a volunteer with Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, active with litter picks, invasive species removal and monitoring water quality. These, together with clean air are matters that I raise with the Council Executive. As a Green Party representative I look forward to welcoming the upcoming National Clean Air Strategy (CAS) to be published shortly by Minister Eamon Ryan, Department of Climate and Environment.
A Kilkenny that supports existing & emerging businesses & social enterprises
I am Chapter Lead for Kilkenny’s Grow Remote group and I believe that for many of us, the future is in remote working. Working remotely means living locally, spending less time commuting and more time in your community. As I believe that Kilkenny is a fantastic place to live and work I am happy to support remote working to allow more people to experience this.
A Kilkenny that protects and promotes biodiversity
Kilkenny County Council has a proven track record in implementing the National Pollinator Plan. I contribute to this by identifying further areas for improvement. In Spring 2021, as the most recent example, I was a party to the plans that have led to a considerable stretch of the verge of the Ring Road remaining unmown to provide food for pollinators.
A Kilkenny that invests in a public realm which is accessible and inclusive and promotes a broad range of cultural events and activities
I am supporting members of the PPN in Kilkenny and actively campaigning for a ‘Changing Places’ accessible toilet for Kilkenny. I believe that universal design should mean that everyone, regardless of impairment should be able to easily get around Kilkenny, be they visitor or local alike. Everyone is welcome
Provides affordable housing close to services and amenities
A Kilkenny that lives up to our common challenge of sectoral greenhouse gas emissions reductions
A Kilkenny where everyone, regardless of gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, and membership of the Traveller community is welcome and valued
