Pictures: Here are the candidates seeking your vote in Kilkenny Local Electoral Area

Noel G Walsh
A seasoned campaigner of both local and national elections, community activist Noel G Walsh will run as an independent candidate in the local elections of June 7.

He has lived in Kilkenny City for many years. Mr Walsh says a lot of people are disenchanted with the traditional parties and are looking for a credible alternative.

One of a family of 13, Mr Walsh describes himself as a community activist, helping people with their problems they may have with the HSE and/or various Government departments and agencies of the State.

Mr Walsh previously ran for local office in 2019, and missed out on a seat on that occasion. He also contested the 2011 and 2016 General Elections for Carlow-Kilkenny, as well as the 2015 Carlow-Kilkenny By-Election, but did not get elected.

On previous campaigns, Mr Walsh described the big issues as housing, emigration, and issues with the HSEs. He was also a critic of the proposed boundary change in South Kilkenny.

"I was born in 13 Father Albert Place, Kilkenny City. I am running as an independent, as an independent is more involved and in touch with people on the ground, I love a bit of banter with my friends and my community," he says.

"I welcome all visitors to our country after all we built the US and UK in the 30s and the 40s but I believe we must house the Irish first housing could be sorted if the willingness was there to solve the problems of homelessness, tents are not the answer, health is another big issue but if you want the staff you have to pay them. Roads - you need visible Garda on the roads and not in the courthouse dealing with cases. I believe the traffic corp's need to be around 5,000 Garda to start with no want to hear bad news of a loved one.

"Our small local business need support - it is them that are the heart of community. The full implementation of the disability act, tourism is is another hand's on approach needed."

He says there is too much red tape around farming and fishing, and the environment is of most importance to hima nd his team, so he recycles everything and has opted not to put up posters.