Why I got involved in politics

I have lived in my local area for more than 18 years and was co-opted on to Meath County Council in 2020.

A lifelong Trade Union member and community activist, I spent a large part of my career working in Business Banking covering Dublin, Louth and Meath areas. I hold a B.A. & M.A. in Economics and Finance from Maynooth University and am also a Qualified Financial Advisor.

Witnessing the growing social and economic disparity between sections of our society, I joined the Labour Party. I believe in a fair and just society for all and I am passionate about creating equality of opportunity, supporting socially responsible business and enterprise and working towards unlocking the untapped potential of our area.

Raising a young family in East Meath I am more than aware of the unique challenges that the area faces and the absolute requirement for better co-operation between Meath & Louth County Councils on the delivery of basic local services. I believe that longer-term sustainable planning is crucial to enhance the quality of life of the residents of the East Meath constituency and this is a cornerstone of my work as a Councillor.

My priorities

At a local level my priorities:

1. Climate & Environment:

-Set up and co-ordination of the Green KM initiative in South Drogheda which promotes community involvement in a green and cleaner local environment by collecting and reporting illegal dumping.

-Save The Boyne campaign – submitted a strong objection to the proposed 7.2km waste pipeline application based on possible deterioration of water quality, increased pollution levels and impact on the biodiversity of the river.

-Facebook – motion passed to engage with social media platforms to tackle illegal dumping by making it easier for people to spot and report rogue operators online.

-Data Centres – made a submission to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in response to potential blackouts due to energy supply issues.

-Motion passed seeking greater co-operation between public bodies such as local Councils, An Board Pleanála, EirGrid, Irish Water, the Department of Finance and others to ensure that Ireland meets its commitments to the Climate Action and Development Bill.

2. Better co-operation between Meath & Louth County Council and the delivery of a Joint Area Plan for Drogheda and East Meath. Promotion of sustainable planning that creates and supports community living. Advocating for the abolition of Strategic Housing Development and replacement of the ‘Developer Lead’ housing model with a ‘Community/Citizen Lead’ housing plan.

3. Improved facilities and supports for Young People in the area.

4. More local Parks, Sport and Community facilities for the area. Better cycling and transport solutions that serve our everyday needs

5. Improved investment and service in water infrastructure.

6. Full time Garda station and additional resources for East Meath

7. Support for local businesses and local employment opportunities.

8. Improved communication & consultation with residents on key development issues.

My background

As a Labour Councillor in Meath County Council I regularly conduct research, publish articles, and put forward Council Motions on major infrastructural projects such as Strategic Housing Developments, Data Centres, Incineration, Expansion of Drogheda Port, North South Interconnector project and the implications of the Data Protection Act for County Councils Development Plans.

I have also created and funded ‘Give Teenagers a Voice’ programme in Bettystown and Laytown which has led to the creation of an Interagency Youth Form in Co Meath.

Contributed to the Guerin Report into Community Safety and Wellbeing in Drogheda and part of the briefing team with Minister for Justice on its implementation.

Active social media user across a number of digital platforms, as well as participating in radio, TV and print interviews promoting and discussing issues in Meath.

As a member of Local Community Development Committee & Local Action Group I advise and support various businesses and community groups in relation to funding and grants available.

Contribute to Labour Party’s Finance Committee working group on policy objectives, budget analysis, effective taxation, and the social implications of policy changes.

Member of the following Public Bodies and Committees: Planning and Economic Development Enterprise & European Affairs, Joint Policing Committee for Co. Meath, Community Development Committee & Local Action Group, Meath Heritage and the Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.

Director of Drogheda Women's & Children's Refuge.

Clubs and Committees

Member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and O'Raghallaighs GAA Club Drogheda.