Former cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Michael Burke has thrown his hat in the ring for next month's local elections. The Ballinrobe based Fine Gael candidate lost the seat he held previously in the 2014 local election and is looking to regain it this time around.
Burke will be on a ticket alongside his fellow party colleagues and sitting councillors Patsty O'Brien and Tom Connolly in the Claremorris Local Electoral Area for Friday, May 24, election.
Outlining why he is running Mr Burke said: "For the past five years, our local area has been underrepresented on Mayo County Council. This needs to be rectified to ensure our local area gets its fair share in the current period of economic stability and growth.
"Each councillor has a budget in excess of €1 million to distribute over the five year term of the council. If elected, I commit to spending 100 per cent of this allocation in our area.
"The following are some of the projects which need to be addressed: (1 ) Improving broadband infrastructure, (2 ) The implementation of a scheme to encourage young people to return to rural towns and villages, (3 ) Representation for the farming interests in the community, (4 ) Promoting tourism projects throughout the area (5 ) Traffic management and road quality (6 ) Combating the issue of dereliction in our towns and villages and (7 ) the town hall development in Ballinrobe.
"I have lived in and operated a business in our community for the past 40 years. I have seen the good times and the bad times, I am passionate about our community and will work closely with Minister Michael Ring and Minister Sean Kyne and all stake holders to ensure that we continue to develop our community for all our families and for future generations to enjoy."
