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

We have 5 children, ranging

in age from 17 to 31. I am seeking re-election to the council having been delighted and
honoured to win a seat in 2014. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last five years representing the
people of the Nenagh electoral area. 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 constituents regularly end up sitting at our table and having a cup of tea while the issue is
discussed, dissected and a solution sought for.
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. I am
also continuously making entrepreneurs and investors aware of potential within this area.
Indeed one such initiative of mine is about to bear fruit with the announcement this week of up
to 250 jobs for the former Coty plant here in the town.

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 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, to the extent they should, from the current economic well-being of the country.
Maybe we are at full employment, but 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.
Uber Style transport system for rural areas – a stroke of a pen could 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 both 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.