Faughnan wants to improve the lives of voters in Ballina
Independent candidate for the Ballina Local Electoral Area (LEA) Joe Faughnan
Ballina local election candidate Joe Faughnan has said he wants to bring fresh, young energy to Mayo County Council.
Mr Faughnan is a first-time Independent candidate from Knockmore who is hoping to build on the legacy of Cllr Seamus Weir, who has retired from local politics.
“I felt the timing was right to stand for election. Cllr Seamus Weir has done 25 years and is stepping down and the opportunity was there to go for it.
“I feel I can have a very positive approach to the job and I can bring a fresh outlook to the issues of the day facing the people in this constituency and onto the Council.
“As an Independent candidate, I’m willing to work with anyone who can improve the lives of my constituents.”
Mr Faughnan said he is willing to speak on any issue but highlighted housing, traffic management and emigration as key concerns in this election.
“There is a chronic shortage of available housing in local areas and that needs to be worked on. I’d like to be able to do more for people with pyrite in their homes who have to rebuild. The pressure on them is so tough and we need to make sure there are adequate supports for them, that needs to be a priority.
“Ballina has a huge traffic management issue that needs to be addressed. People want to improve the roads but also road safety.
“On the doorsteps, there has been a lot of concern over immigration and whether or not the country has the capacity in terms of services. Emigration out of the country is always coming up and people are very worried about the youth leaving to go to Australia and Canada.”
Mr Faughnan said he is keen to deliver local amenities that will improve the lives of people living in the entire.
“As a whole, the area needs to improve its sporting infrastructure. I have been involved in local sport all my life with Conn Rangers and Knockmore and I have seen the positive impact sport has on people’s mental health and on our communities as a whole.
“It is great news that work will begin in the coming months at the new Knockmore playground. These are the types of projects I would like to prioritise if I am elected.
“These sorts of projects can make a real difference to the quality of life for the people living in our area and make it a great place to live and raise a family.”
