Contesting his inaugural local election, Carrickobrien resident, Tom Cleary, is striving to claim a seat in the Athlone electoral area as polling day on June 7 fast approaches.
“I have always been involved in local community activities. Currently, I am chairman of the local residents’ association and a member of the Athlone Agricultural Show committee for 30 years. I am also actively involved with the Athlone flood relief committee,” Mr Cleary said.
The Independent candidate noted that the severe flooding of 2015/2016 first brought him into the political activism realm.
“I became a spokesman for the impacted communities and highlighted their issues to the highest level of Government in Ireland. At that time, organising a visit from the then Taoiseach to witness the crisis at first hand, I like to think that I played a key role in ensuring the Athlone flood defence programme originated and commenced.
“I am delighted with the progress of the flood defence programme and as soon as this is completed I intend to start a campaign to ensure road levels are raised where downstream flooding is still a problem,” Mr Cleary added.
The local election hopeful stressed a number of issues which he feels need immediate attention and should he be elected such matters will become a self priority during his term as councillor.
“There are many other issues I would look to prioritise if elected and the provision of affordable housing would top that list. I would promote the council shared ownership scheme that will enable people on average incomes to acquire their own homes with local authority assistance.
“For all residents of this great town of ours, it must be a matter of real sadness to see the deterioration of the main shopping streets in Athlone over the last 15 years. How do we address this? Is there anything we can do? I believe there is and as a councillor, I would like to see a detailed five year plan published to revitalise the commercial and tourist potential of Athlone.
“My suggestions would include the reduction of rates on currently existing commercial premises; the return of vacant commercial properties for private housing; grants to improve the appearance of shop fronts; a marketing plan to enhance river and riverside activities during peak summer season; transfer of the tourist office from its existing location to the vacant O’Neill’s site and have it open on a year round basis; support for the council heritage committee in their project to re-water and develop the canal between Connaught Street bridge and Mick McQuaid’s bridge; encouraging the development of restaurants, coffee shops and other tourist amenities in the town; the initiation of action to address the ever worsening traffic and parking situation which is costing the town in terms of lost revenues and the paying of attention to the condition of our roads and blocked water drains around town,” Mr Cleary commented,
As his canvass continues, Mr Cleary stated that he has received much positive feedback from the voting public and expressed his gratitude to all those who have assisted him in his quest to become an elected representative.
