Priorities

Waterford’s agri-food industry needs sensible and graduated policies to remain sustainable and competitive. We need constant innovation of our modes of agriculture and fishing so that locally grown vegetables, meat and fish are Ireland’s first choice.

A just transition approach is required to support and encourage communities and businesses on the climate action journey.

We need to accelerate the move to more sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass.

We need to see transparency in funding and autonomy in decision-making, regarding the governance of Waterford University Hospital and healthcare more generally.

We need continuing focus on the provision of more social and affordable housing. We must continue to target redundant and brownfield sites, where a focus on long-term sustainable development can be accommodated.

Digital skills, robotics, artificial intelligence, materials science and lean, efficient process development are key to manufacturing industries and knowledge based jobs.  Commuters need more virtual working, and Waterford is a well placed regional hub in this regard.

Justice delayed is justice denied. Access to justice is paramount and urgent reform is required across the system. Ireland needs a shared vision for a joined up criminal justice system, effective solutions and sanctions, with better outcomes for the public.

A properly funded university in Waterford has the potential to transform to change for the South-East. Focusing on key programme areas in in STEM disciplines along with new courses in medicine veterinary and teacher training which can provides the opportunity to position Waterford as a leading educational hub across Europe.

We are Ireland’s first city but no longer its most successful. This has been due to chronic under-investment by government. I believe it is possible to reverse this trend this decade.

I am always happy to work on the solutions.

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