Deere vows to 'never stop fighting' for Castlebar
Locals pictured outside the Community Centre in Islandeady at the presentation of the new defibrillator by Cllr Ger Deere to Liam Keaveney, Chairperson, Islandeady Community Council. Also included are Darren Forde, ECO Powered Cabinets (supplier of the defibrillator) and Cllr Martin McLoughlin. Picture: John Mylette
A Castlebar councillor seeking re-election says he will “never stop fighting” for his town and community.
Fine Gael’s Ger Deere has been a prominent and active figure in his community for decades through his work as a councillor and a variety of local organisations.
After 35 years on the campaign trail as a party member and later a councillor, Cllr Deere said this has probably been the “easiest canvas” he has ever had.
“But that’s not always a good thing,” added Cllr Deere, who is taking nothing for granted as the June election fast approaches.
He said he wants to build on the work he has been carrying out.
“I’m passionate about the town and I want to continue those efforts. I have led a lot of initiatives over the last five years, such as the open-air hub seating at Market Square, and vital pedestrian crossings.
"There are things that I am unhappy with that have not been finished and I want to get the Military Barracks and the old Imperial Hotel over the line. My involvement with the old post office project goes back 12 years and that has gone to tender now. I’m anxious to see that progressed. It’s also going to be important to keep pushing on Phase Two of the plan for Lough Lannagh and the running track out at Knockaphunta,” he said.
Cllr Deere is intensely proud of Castlebar and its potential.
“Castlebar was named ‘Best to work from remotely’ with the best work-life balance in the country. That’s thanks to the people of Castlebar and the work that everyone has been involved with on the council to make Castlebar a better place to live in,” he said.
Cllr Deere said he will not make any big promises on matters which are "outside the control" of a county councillor but vowed to do his very best for his constituents.
“It’s important to have a good working relationship with all the various groups in the town and area and working well with the council officials can achieve great things,” said Cllr Deere.
He said he will be seeking greater funding for the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide and expressed delight at the recent major funding announcement for Ballintubber Abbey. A prominent member of Castlebar Tidy Towns, Cllr Deere has also been a strong advocate for the ambition to make Castlebar an Autism Friendly Town.
“That will make life easier for an awful lot of families.
“I will support anything that will make life better for the people living in the Castlebar Municipal District. That can only be achieved by working successfully with the community and the council.
“My passion has never dimmed and whether I’m elected or not I will never stop striving and fighting for the town,” said Cllr Deere.
“There is an old saying in politics that you are ‘only as good as your last deed’. But I hope people can see that I did try hard to make Castlebar and the surrounding area a better place to live and work in,” he added.
