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

John Coonan (Fianna Fail)
Councillor John Coonan desribes serving Kilkenny as ‘a profound honour’. A retired nurse, he is married to Ann, with whom he lives in Willow Close, Loughboy. They have one son, Aidan.

Since 2020, Cllr Coonan says he has championed housing initiatives, supporting the delivery of over 1,500 new homes, including 593 social homes, and securing €6.7 million in grants for first-time buyers and accessibility upgrades.

Among the issues important to him are public transport, including the new bus shelters, and he says his aim is to expand coverage to key locations. He would also like to see enhancements to roads, footpaths, and public lighting while fostering inter-generational programmes like playgrounds for children is crucial for a connected community.

The Fianna Fail councillor was first elected to Kilkenny County Council in 2009. He narrowly failed to win a seat in the new electoral area of Kilkenny City West in 2014, but won his seat back in 2019 when the city was restored to one electoral area, and served a term as mayor in 2020.

“I’ve secured and delivered improvements to Ardnore, Melville Heights, Loughboy, Patrick Street, Glendine and Ballyfoyle Road areas,” he says. “I am eager to continue representing you, driving progress, and promoting inclusivity. On June 7, I humbly ask for your support to keep building a brighter, better Kilkenny City.”