ranmore, Claregalway, and Athenry may have expanded during the boom, but they are still suffering from a lack of sporting, recreational and educational facilities.
This is the view of Clement Shevlin, who this week emerged as the second Labour candidate for the seven seat Oranmore-Athenry ward, joining Madge Dean on the party ticket.
Mr Shevlin says he is running because areas in the ward have been left behind in terms of infrastructural development.
“As a father of three young children, I have see the impact the shortage of playing pitches, cycle paths, and insufficient pedestrian crossings is having for parents and children,” he said. “ This will be my priority if elected as a councillor.”
A member of the Claregalway Community Development Association and the local drama group Compantis Lir, he is also supportive of community groups.
“I have seen the positive impact that local groups can achieve,” he said, “when they work together for the greater good of their community.”