John Naughten "delighted" with increase in vote as he's elected on first count

John Naughten said he was "delighted" with the result he received in the Athlone local electoral area of Roscommon after he was elected in the first count with 1,750 votes.

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The newly re-elected Fine Gael councillor said that it was the second time that he had increased his vote. "It takes a lot of work over a long period of time and working with community groups and so forth to deliver and I'm delighted that I've secured such a vote on this occasion," remarked Mr Naughten.

Acknowledging the support from people, he said that people were aware of the huge investment that has been secured for Monksland with the addition of the Innovation Centre. "I think people acknowledge that investment and that helped me to secure such a large vote."

Mr Naughten praised his campaign team for the work they've put in since March. "We've been out every night and weekends on doors canvassing in all sorts of weather."

Mr Naughten believes that road infrastructure and road planning are some of the major issues in his electoral area. "The investment particularly in our rural roads, I think, needs to be increased to keep them up to an acceptable standard."

He added that the issue of flooding at Lough Funshinagh was the biggest issue for the electorate throughout his campaign. Mr Naughten stated: " I do believe we're moving in the right direction to getting a final solution because it's totally unacceptable what the residents are putting up with there and landowners around Lough Funshinagh and I think it is something that needs to be dealt with."

He said that the cost of living crisis, housing and immigration were also of concern during his canvass of the area.