John Keogh (Fianna Fáil), Athlone - Roscommon

We sent a questionnaire to all 10 candidates running in the Athlone Electoral Area in the forthcoming Roscommon County Council election. The responses are published in print in this week's Westmeath Independent.

NAME: John Keogh

ADDRESS: Cloongowna, Bealnamulla, Athlone

PARTY: Fianna Fáil

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Housing, job creation, community development, equality and tourism.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

To continue to be a voice for those who often times are unable to be a voice for themselves. To continue to work to make county Roscommon one of the best places in the country to live and work in and to come visit.

A number of projects are currently in the pipeline that will greatly enhance our communities, and I remain focused on seeing them come to fruition.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

1. Housing remains the biggest challenge. The Croí Cónaithe refurbishment grant for derelict properties has attracted a lot of interest and is helping to tackle vacant and derelict properties. Other supports are also helping people.

We need to focus on driving down the cost of construction by bringing down the cost of construction materials and encouraging more young people into apprenticeship to address the shortage of workers in the sector and speed up delivery of housing.

2. The cost of insurance remains a big issue, despite the reforms to injury compensation awards.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

The many volunteers in the communities around the country. There are many 'hurlers on the ditch' who will complain about what is wrong, or what is lacking, but aren't willing to give their time to help with a solution.

Luckily there are a few out there who will volunteer their time to come together as a community to help provide solutions.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am a practising solicitor with Hayden & Co Solicitors. In my spare time I enjoy spending time on our rivers and lakes and sightseeing around Ireland.