Local elections: Cobh municipal district ballot paper to have four new faces

VOTERS heading to the polling stations on June 7 will see some new faces on the ballot papers, with several non-incumbents seeking to secure a seat in the Cobh municipal district.

While there is still time for new declarations, four first-time candidates and a previous county councillor have announced their intention to run for election.

Green Party member Cliona O’Halloran is among the new candidates.

“I want our council to provide more supports for the most vulnerable in our communities,” she told The Echo.

Ms O’Halloran said her priorities, if elected, are to “ensure that families and local businesses are getting all the support they need to thrive”.

“My qualification in sustainability means that I can see the big picture and join the dots between the social, the environmental and our economy.

“A simple example is my work to increase local bus services in Cobh. I have developed a public survey to gauge the needs of the public and using this data, I will be submitting a report to the National Transport Authority,” she said.

Meanwhile, first-time Fine Gael candidate Keith Kelly said improved infrastructure and a ramped-up delivery of housing would be two key issues he would like to see improvement on.

“We need better infrastructure and more houses built,” he said. “The Fota Road would certainly need to be upgraded. The other side of it leading into Cobh as well, Ballard Hill, has been left in a disgraceful state for the last number of years.”

Also hoping to be elected for the first time is Fianna Fáil candidate Dominic Finn.

“The infrastructure has to be sorted out,” he said, speaking about his key priorities.

Additional facilities for young people and further investment in the arts in Cobh is also something he would be vocal on.

“Another thing is we need a bigger Garda presence in Cobh,” he said.

An increased Garda presence in Cobh is also something Sinn Féin candidate Mehdi Ozcinar would like to see progress on.

Additional housing and improvements to local roads are two other key concerns for the Turkish native.

Mr Ozcinar said he believes he could bring a fresh perspective to Cork County Council.

“I’m bringing my own international experience and background to Ireland and trying to help from a different perspective,” he said.

Meanwhile, Independent candidate Diarmaid Ó Cadhla, a previous county councillor, has also declared his intention to run for a seat in the ward this June.

Mr Ó Cadhla said he would work to try and secure “significant extra funding” across the district if elected, also citing housing as an something he would seek progress on.

Further, he said he would “demand formal recognition of the right of way on Deepwater Quay”.

In a statement to The Echo, the Port of Cork Company said it “understands the importance of maintaining access to the Deepwater Quay in Cobh, for all members of the community”.

“We want to assure members of the public that there is absolutely no intention to deprive the public of this cherished space,” it said. “However, at times, particularly when cruise ships are docking or departing and the safety risks cannot be adequately mitigated to protect the public, there may be occasions when access to the quay needs to be restricted for very short periods of time.”