My name is Joe Hannigan, I’m from Kilbarron and married to Jane.

We have 5 children, ranging

in age from 15 to 31. I am seeking re-election to the council having been delighted and honoured
to win a seat in 2014. It’s been hard work and challenging at times but ultimately rewarding and
satisfying, particularly in being able to help so many individuals and groups get their own
particular issues resolved or projects over the line.
I’m told by my constituents that I’m an approachable but passionate person, which is very
important to me as the very essence of my role is being able to represent those in the electoral area.
In order to do that they need to feel they can easily come to me with their problems or issues. I
would like to think people find this very easy to do in my case, they will always be given time,
their issue will always be given full consideration. My kitchen table is my office desk and I suppose
being a publican we have an open-door policy in our house. Constituents regularly end up sitting
at our table and having a cup of tea while the issue is discussed, dissected and a solution sought.
I would like to think I am a proactive councilor also – it is not just about waiting for a problem to
be brought to my attention. I have on numerous occasions, since elected, approached individuals
and community groups to make them aware, for example, of grants that might be available or
opportunities which they could pursue to improve their particular situation.
If returned to the council, I am pledging to obviously continue with this work, but I want to do
even more. Rural Ireland needs more than just someone who helps gets potholes filled or roads
tarred. We are pretty much at full employment in this country right now. We are constantly being
told our economy is in a good place, but this rising tide has not lifted all boats. Our rural towns
and villages and businesses here in Nenagh are not benefitting from the current economic well-
being of the country to the extent that they should. Maybe we are at full employment, but the
problem is the jobs and hence the workers are in the wrong place. If returned, I want to prioritize:
Decentralisation – create office space to allow workers, based elsewhere, to return to work in
high-tech hubs in this area. This is not pie in the sky but is very doable.
Uber Style transport system for rural areas – a stroke of a pen could help solve the issue of
rural isolation.
Tourism. – The Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands initiative offers enormous potential to finally market
this area as a significant tourist destination.
Climate Change – at a local level encourage householders to take advantage of the insulation
grants available to retrofit their homes.
We live in an area of enormous potential at a time of unprecedented opportunities we need to make
sure that we can take advantage of these.
Before I finish, I would like to thank all those who myself and my canvassing team have met on
doorsteps over the last few weeks for their welcome, support and courtesy. I would like to also
thank all the other candidates for the clean, respectful campaign and wish everyone the best of luck
in the coming days.