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

Maria Dollard (Green Party)
Green Party representative, Cllr Maria Dollard first co-opted on to Kilkenny County Council to fill the seat vacated by Malcolm Noonan following his election to the Dail in February 2020.

Cllr Dollard has 25 years experience in disability advocacy and 30 years experience in adult and community education, advocating for autistic people’s entitlements for basic rights and services. She has also worked in prison education along with a number of ETB’s and the HSE in disability services.

Ahead of her first election vote, the local councillor says she wants to keep working to ensure that Kilkenny meets the coming challenges in a way that works for everyone.

In recent months, Cllr Dollard tabled a motion at a Kilkenny County Council meeting for the Irish government to recognise the state of Palestine. Ms Dollard has also been critical of the ‘car-focused’ angle when debating the one-way system in Kilkenny City Centre and is eager to reduce car congestion in parts of the city.

The completion of the ring road, increasing bus routes and greater enforcement of litter laws are high on Cllr Dollard’s agenda. for a new term.

Cllr Dollard is the wife to high-profile weatherman, Niall Dollard. In her public life so far, she has held roles as chair of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, Kilkenny Special Olympics and a Board Member of the Kingsriver Community.