Ballina man puts himself forward for elections
Local election candidate Keith Howley
A Ballina native has announced that he is to run in the local elections in June.
Keith Howley from the north Mayo town has said he intends to put his name forward as an Independent candidate for a seat on Mayo County Council.
Mr Howley told the Western People that if elected, he intends to focus on a number of different areas, such as housing.
“Housing is a major issue, we have pyrite issues in estates all over Ballina. Where are these people going to go? Maybe to hotels and Airbnbs but if all our hotels are filled with International Protection Applicants and Ukrainians, where are people going to go?”
He added that he would be interested in bringing in modular housing for those impacted by pyrite and that housing estates with over 50 residents should have, at the minimum, a swing and a slide or play area.
He said that he would also seek to improve the facilities available for people with disabilities, particularly children. This is a ‘cause close to his heart’, he said and would include the provision of a new respite house for the north Mayo area and more autism friendly spaces in Ballina, such as a sensory park. He also wants to increase the number of summer camps available for children with disabilities.
Mr Howley said he is ‘100% behind’ the Ballina Says No group, who were set up in response to plans for 120 asylum seekers to be moved into the Twin Trees Hotel and said he himself is concerned of the impact this will have on local tourism.
“When tourists come, there will be no room for them and we don’t know where that situation is going to end.”
However, he said he is not using Ballina Says No as a public stance in his election campaign.
“I’ve got beliefs and concerns and I’m here for the Ballina community, far and beyond.”
