Tom Cleary (Non-Party), Athlone

We sent a questionnaire to all 11 candidates running in the Athlone Electoral Area in the forthcoming Westmeath County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Westmeath Independent on Wednesday.

ADDRESS: Carrickobrien, Athlone.

PARTY: Non-Party.

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Housing, roadways, pavements, hedgerows, street lighting, signage, visibility and cleaning, recreational areas.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I've been thinking about running in the local elections for quite a long time, since before the last two elections took place.

I have been doing quite a lot of work in Athlone and surrounding areas.

I've been to the forefront on the issue of flooding in Athlone and Carrickobrien, and have been liaising with Westmeath County Council to facilitate work by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the Athlone flood defence scheme at the River Al. The severe flooding in 2015/2016 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.

By organising a visit from the then-Taoiseach, to witness the crisis at first hand, I like to think I played a key role in getting the Athlone flood defence programme off the ground. There are many other issues

I would prioritise if elected, and the provision of affordable housing would top the list.

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

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Housing and roads.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

Charlie Bird, RIP. He bravely played the hand he was dealt.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I am originally from Mayo. I came to Athlone in 1972, loved it, and stayed.