Howley joins crowded Ballina election race

A Ballina native has announced that he is to run in the local elections in June.

Keith Howley is seeking a seat as an Independent candidate in the Ballina Local Electoral Area.

Mr Howley told the Western People that if elected to Mayo Co Council, he intends to focus on several 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?

Mr Howley said 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 also hopes to improve the facilities available for people with disabilities, particularly children. This is a “cause close to his heart” 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, which was set up in response to accommodate 120 asylum seekers at the Twin Trees Hotel in the town.

“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.”

CROWDED FIELD

Mr Howley is the twelfth candidate to announce their candidature in the Ballina LEA.

Fine Gael has nominated outgoing councillors John O’Hara and Jarlath Munnelly as well as Ballina-based Hugh Rouse.

Fianna Fail has also nominated two outgoing councillors, Annie-May Reape and Michael Loftus, as well as Killala-based David Alexander.

Sinn Féin has put forward newcomers Una Morris and Antonio Cafolla. Independent Mark Duffy is seeking re-election while former town councillor Willie Nolan and Knockmore-based Joe Faughan make up the remaining non-party candidates, along with Mr Howley.

The closing date for nominations for the local elections is May 18 at 12 noon.