Kilkenny election candidate empathises with locals facing housing challenges

Independent election candidate in the Castlecomer Local Electoral Area (LEA), Maurice Shortall has claimed housing is an issue that is being brought up 'more and more' as he continues his campaign trail.

The creator and host of the 'Cheap Heat Productions' podcast, and the well-known DJ says he understands the challenges many families are facing when trying to rent or purchase a home.

"I myself can understand their frustrations, as a young married man myself with two kids I am renting because of the policies of this government I cannot afford to buy my own home," he commented.

The election hopeful also bemoaned the lack of resources being provided for job opportunities and road infastructure in the area.

"Other issues include a feeling of neglect in Moneenroe, commercial decline in Ballyragget and a lane with no fewer than 159 potholes, I just wonder if this is a record. For years the CIR Community Involvement in Roadworks Scheme has been a lifeline for so many, unfortunately that’s not the case in 2024. With 49 applications on the list and a further 18 being processed the expected wait for those applying currently is twenty years. The only solution is to provide more money from the central government if anybody is listening," Mr Shortall added.