Louise Heavin (Green 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: Beechpark, Athlone.

PARTY: Green Party / An Comhaontas Glas

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Housing, protecting nature, town centre regeneration, clean air and water.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I am running to keep a progressive, young, female voice in the district.

I have enjoyed my last five years on the council, and I have a lot more to contribute. In particular I want to see Athlone move forward with our urban area plan and regeneration framework.

There is also work to be done on transport solutions, to see better bus access and more walking and cycling infrastructure, ensuring the town continues to grow in a sustainable way. I have also been a strong advocate for our rural areas and, if elected, will continue the work I have been doing to see more serviced sites for housing in our villages, footpaths that connect villages to schools and sports pitches, and speed safety measures on national roads.

Finally I often find I am a lone voice when it comes to measures to protect nature and improve our environment. I will continue to advocate to leave a better world for future generations.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Housing and transport around the town. The waterworks have caused traffic disruption, but people are quite accepting when they hear that, ultimately, it will lead to better water in our Shannon.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

After my five years in office, I have so much respect and admiration for all of the female politicians that went before me.

There's a good list in the book 'Madam Politician' by Martina Fitzgerald.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:

One of my favorite places to be is in the garden or the greenhouse. I have two young children, and it's a nice hobby to do together.