Sinn Féin Cllr Treasa Whelan has set out her objectives in her campaign to be re-elected to Mayo County Council in next week's local elections.
The Erris based councillor has said that her main priorities will be: increased funding for local and regional roads, the regeneration of small towns and villages, the maximisation of natural resources for local communities, the urgent need to address coastal erosion and flood relief measures, the fast tracking of broadband and improved mobile phone coverage in the area, the further roll out of greenways, cycle tracks and walkway, increased funding to protect and maintain graveyards and heritage sites, a full resourcing and implementation of an Irish language plan, the safeguarding of the fishing industry with fair and proportionate quotas and investment in fishing ports and the provision of affordable housing.
She also added that: "Farming is the backbone of west Mayo communities, we need a fair distribution of farm payments, sustainable beef prices, adequate notices of inspections, on-time payments, increased suckler cow payments and equity for farmers in areas of natural constraint.
"The creation of enterprise and employment opportunities is key so that people can earn a living or develop a career without moving out of the area. We can do this by using all of the natural resources available, reducing the bureaucracy around grant applications, addressing the barriers in procurement process and providing the necessary infrastructure.
"Investment in rural transport is needed to enable access to health services, while employment and social activities are essential. Educational opportunities must not be restricted because of where we live, this means an investment in accredited education and training programmes and apprenticeships is needed."
