Cleary sets out his priorities if elected

Tom Cleary, who has been living locally for more than 50 years, is running for Westmeath County Council as an Independent candidate in the Athlone electoral area.

Originally from County Mayo, Tom first came to Athlone in 1972, where he was employed in a local bakery and subsequently in the steel fabrication business.

He married Kathleen Dunning in 1976 and they had four children: Rory, Sean, Paul and Thomas. Their second eldest son Sean, a jockey, tragically lost his life in a riding accident in Galway in 2003.

Tom's wife, Kathleen, is a librarian in Moate and prior to that, spent many years in Athlone Library where she was a well-known and popular figure.

Tom and his family live in Carrickobrien, Athlone, and he is currently involved in the equine and bloodstock business. This is his first time to take part in local elections.

As Tom says: "I have always been involved in local community activities. I am chairman of the local residents' association and an active member of the Athlone agricultural show for 30 years.

"I am also actively involved in the South Westmeath Point to Point and the flood relief committee. The severe flooding of 2015 and 2016 is what first brought me into contact with political activism.

"I became a spokesman for the affected communities and highlighted their issues to the highest level of Government in Ireland. And, by organising a visit from the then-Taoiseach to see the crisis at first hand, I like to think that I played a key role in getting the Athlone flood defences programme off the ground."I am delighted with the progress of the flood defences and as soon as this is completed I intend to start a campaign to get road levels raised where downstream flooding is still a problem.

"There are many other issues I would look to prioritise if elected and the provision of affordable housing would top the list. I would promote the council shared-ownership scheme that will enable people on average incomes to acquire their own homes with council assistance.

"For all residents of this great town of ours, it must be a matter of real sadness to see the deterioration of the main shopping streets in Athlone over the last 15 years.

"How do we address this? Is there anything we can do? I believe there is.

"As a councillor, I would like to see a detailed five-year plan published to revitalise the commercial and tourist potential of Athlone.

"My suggestions would include: A reduction of rates on currently existing commercial premises. The return of vacant commercial properties for private housing. A marketing plan to enhance river and riverside activities during peak summer season.

"I would like to see a transfer of the tourist office from its existing location to the vacant O'Neill's pub site, and have it open on a year round basis.

"I support the Council Heritage committee in their project to re- water and develop the canal between Connaught Street bridge and Mick McQuaid's bridge. We should encourage the development of restaurants, coffee shops and other tourist amenities in the town.

"There's a need to initiate action to address the ever-worsening traffic and parking situation, which is costing the town in terms of lost revenues.

"Attention must also be paid to the condition of our roads and blocked water drains around town.

"If I get elected, I'm looking forward to addressing the issues I have outlined, above and will work tirelessly to do so," concluded Tom Cleary.