Daly says West Offaly needs to stop hiding in the shadows

THE importance of local communities working together to develop the potential of West Offaly has been stressed by Fianna Fáil candidate Barbara Daly.

A youth and community worker with 30 years service at local and national level Barbara has emphasised the need to capitalise on the social capital available across the area in developing local tourism based on a shared heritage while also maximising the lobbying pressure on State agencies.

She said: "West Offaly may be part of the Hidden Heartland of Ireland but we need to stop hiding in the shadows. We are blessed with natural resources, such as the Shannon, Lough Boora, Birr Castle, the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Clonmacnoise and the Grand Canal, and wonderful monastic sites, diverse sporting and musical tradition and a proud scientific and industrial heritage. Above all, we are blessed with the people in West Offaly, the threads that come together to form the rich tapestry of our communities.”

She went on to say that: “If elected, I am committed to working with colleagues at local and national level to support community-led initiatives in employment creation and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on peatland communities. The people of West Offaly are resilient, innovative and creative. Given the resources, we have the willingness, the energy and the capacity to shape the future we want for this place we call home. On June 7^th, my focus is very firmly on working to help shape that future.

“As a mother born and raised here who chose to raise my own family here, I know the deep affinity that people have for West Offaly. I see the value they place on putting down roots and raising their families in rural communities. Through years of experience working as a volunteer with and for families all across West Offaly, I identify closely with the needs being expressed on the doorsteps. A need for adequate and affordable childcare, quality amenities and facilities, accessible school transport, appropriate and timely intervention for children and young people who need additional supports. This week’s announcement by Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler of an additional €10 million in funding for mental health services secured through the Revised Estimates process is a welcome start. The focus of this new 2024 investment funding is in child and youth mental health including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and online safety for children, an issue of particular concern to me and one that families across the county deal with on a daily basis.

“I am ambitious for the future of West Offaly. Together we can create a bright future for this area and all who live and work in it,” said Ms Daly.