Kilcullen 'not neglected in representation'

Kilcullen 'has achieved much and will continue to do so' through the 'hard work and tireless volunteering spirit of many dedicated residents', local Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon says in an article in the latest issue of The Bridge Magazine, writes Brian Byrne.

In a piece where he gives his views on points raised in the previous issue of the magazine, Deputy Heydon outlines his past support for many local initiatives and helping to sort out issues with a number of projects both while an Athy Area councillor elected in 2009, and subsequently as a TD from 2011.

He cites among these, difficulties with funding for the Community Childcare project and earlier for the Community Playground, but he says he doesn't believe these were related to the 'split' in Kilcullen between Naas and Athy electoral areas. His experience with the Childcare project and Suncroft Community Centre showed 'deficiencies' in how Leader funds are distributed, and he is working to bring about changes in new rural development programmes 'to avoid voluntary communities being put through such a protracted process as has happened in the past'.

Noting that he often uses Kilcullen as an example of what can be achieved when a town has a strong community spirit and works together to achieve common goals, he says it is 'far from being a town that has been neglected in terms of representation'. "I feel that Kilcullen has proven to be well capable of getting its fair share in recent times."

Reflecting on a comment about gender balance in that previous Bridge article, Deputy Heydon notes that one of the four FG candidates in the Naas Area is Jacinta O'Sullivan, running on a ticket with councillors Darren Scully and Fintan Brett and former councillor Billy Hillis. "I look forward to working with them all throughout the campaign, and meeting and engaging with the residents of Kilcullen in the coming months."

Deputy Heydon says he is aware of issues in Kilcullen such as broadband services, estates that need to be taken in charge, and local roads maintenance, and he expects that all these will be raised with all candidates as the campaign kicks off in earnest.

I guess he's just kicked it off?