Ballyjamesduff MD Candidates: Cllr TP O'Reilly (FG)

Cllr TP O’Reilly is a native of Ardlow, Virginia. His brother Philip runs Lisgrey House and Cllr O’Reilly lives in the family home where until this year, he farmed the land.

How do you unwind?

I would go out at the weekend or maybe go to a football match. Farming was a great way for me to unwind but I have taken a back seat on that due to the demands of my council work. I was glad this year that I did that because the weather hasn’t been kind to farmers over the last few months.

Why should people vote for you?

I’m here five years now; I entered politics in 2019 as a political novice and I had to set out my stall in terms of what I wanted to achieve. This time, I can say that I have a proven track record in the area and people can physically see the improvements around the town of Virginia and its hinterlands. Examples include the new fire station; extended footpaths from Virginia town for 2km out the Bailieborough Road; lighting; and the jewel in the crown is the new civic centre and library in conjunction with Ramor Theatre. People are delighted with this, it is well utilised and there is a great buzz around the place. I think that I have shown that I can do what needs to be done and I hope people can see that and give me a chance to continue on in that vein.

What will you do to address housing supply?

One thing we have been working very hard on in Virginia is to get the new sewerage system up and running. This project started this year and I intend to make sure we get this across the line. When that is completed, housing supply will increase in Virginia because the infrastructure will be in place to connect homes. There are approximately 200 houses proposed for Virginia and we need to get this vital piece of infrastructure in place to get them built. The ball is rolling on this and it’s a very positive development for young people looking for homes and for commuters to Dublin.

Has Ireland taken in enough refugees?

I think that’s plain and obvious for everyone to see. I also think that the rules and regulations apply to everyone seeking asylum or coming here as a refugee. Seeing people sleeping in tents in Dublin is not a fair situation for them or for the people who are living in these communities. We do need to find a balance in this country; I’m not saying we should close our borders or anything like that but we need a system that people who are wiser than me in government can put in place so that people are taken in, processed and moved on. We need to adopt a practical approach to this... Of course we should take our fair share of refugees but we must also ensure that we can provide for the people that stay here including with adequate housing. What is happening right now is not acceptable and the system is not fit for purpose.

What is your main campaigning issue?

I have a vision of what I’d like to see happening over the next five years in Virginia and the surrounding areas. We need a major, major investment in our local roads. While I love greenways and cycleways, if our main infrastructure around all this - which is roads - isn’t up to standard then the situation doesn’t improve. The roads should be sorted out first and then put in place a plan for greenways and cycleways. Everyone in the community uses the road network - kids going to school, farmers, lorry drivers, workers and they all deserve to be driving on a road surface that isn’t dangerous or causing damage to their vehicles. There needs to be a strategic approach to this and it is something that I will be looking at.

Should the biodiversity/climate crises be at the very top of the council’s agenda?

I think it has to be because all of this matters for the future generations of Co Cavan. We can’t sit back and expect someone else to sort the climate crisis out. We all have to do our bit. It’s up to all of us to take the lead on this and do what needs to be done.

Who, in the political sphere, has influenced you the most?

I have always admired Garret FitzGerald who brought Fine Gael to great heights. He was a good, decent politician who was academically minded and often ahead of his time. He was progressive and for the greater good. I also like Des O’Malley.