Mullen targeting housing and animal welfare 

Ballina Independent candidate Jo Mullen said she is hoping to bring fresh energy to help address the county’s housing needs.

Ms Mullen is a first-time candidate and the only female Independent candidate in Ballina amongst seven non-party runners in the area.

She said that she wishes to address non-Irish residents being housed before Irish residents and other issues around housing such as the hidden homeless.

“I just feel we are bursting at the seams with people looking for housing, families, single people, victims of pyrite, there’s added pressure on the housing system and an immense amount of people are suffering under that pressure.”

“I want to highlight the hidden homeless, we have people couch surfing and adults having to move back in with parents. Rents have become so ridiculous for the everyday person to afford.”

“I propose to regenerate vacant houses and commercial properties and bring fresh new ideas for housing options such as affordable housing and options to purchase council housing,” she said.

She said other areas she wishes to highlight include the appointment of an animal welfare officer for Mayo and to create and build a community complex for Ballina.

“This would create employment, promote the well-being of the younger generation and promote positive mental health.” “We need to clamp down on puppy farms and cases of extreme animal neglect by appointing an Animal Welfare Officer for Mayo,” she said.