THE LAST WORD
By Pat Coughlan
When it comes down to it, throwing your vote in the local elections is a massive deal. It’s not just about picking who gets to sit in the big chair; it’s about having a say in the nitty-gritty of what’s happening right in your own backyard.
Across Ireland, particularly in spots like Kilkenny, your vote is a powerful tool that shapes the community’s future. Whether it’s fixing potholes, sorting out the local schools, or even bigger projects, every vote counts. So, don’t be thinking your voice doesn’t matter. It’s the complete opposite.
When it’s down to the brass tacks of it, local government in Ireland isn’t just a bunch of folks sitting round making decisions willy-nilly. They’re in the thick of it, making calls on everything from planning permissions to managing the local parks and libraries we’re all fond of. They’re the ones keeping the streets clean, running the services that make daily life that bit smoother, and having a fair old crack at community development. Local councils have their fingers in a lot of pies, controlling budgets and projects that genuinely affect our day-to-day living. Without them, who’d sort the recycling centres or keep the playgrounds in shipshape? It’s all under their remit, making sure our towns and communities are not just surviving, but thriving.
Local governments are not just there to fill the potholes or keep the streetlights on. They’re actually at the coalface when it comes to tackling our housing crisis. Now you may criticise their progress but look at initiatives they’ve been rolling out, all geared towards bumping up the numbers of social housing. From developing unused lands into affordable housing projects to refurbishing derelict buildings, local councils are putting the hard yards in. It’s a tough gig, but someone’s gotta do it, and they’re at the heart of the push for more accessible homes for everyone.
So what has the Kilkenny Local Council been up to lately? They’ve been all hands-on deck trying to ramp up social housing, making sure folks have roofs over their heads. Not just that, but they’ve been sprucing up local services. We’re talking parks that now look like something out of a fairy tale, buses running like clockwork, and community centres that are buzzing with activities. It’s the little things that make a big difference, and Kilkenny’s council is showing us how it’s done.
Now, ye might be thinking, what difference does my one vote make? Ye see, when it comes to where ye live, in the lovely Kilkenny, voting in local elections is where the magic happens. It’s your golden ticket to having a say in the things that matter right at your doorstep – we’re talking social housing, your local parks, and even the state of the roads. By throwing your hat in the ring and voting, you’re essentially telling the council what you want more of, or less of, in your own backyard. It’s important because when the community gets behind something, that’s when you see real changes happening on the ground. So, don’t be thinking your vote doesn’t count; in local elections, it’s pure gold.
Wanting to throw your hat in the ring for local elections is one thing, but getting stuck in is a whole other kettle of fish.
And so to voters. First, getting yourself registered to vote is crucial. It’s no use crying if you miss out on having your say because the paperwork wasn’t sorted. Then, there’s the part about staying clued in on what’s what in local government. You’ve got your council meetings and decisions that’ll be affecting the local area quicker than you can say “job’s done”. So, catching up on council minutes or heading to a meeting couldn’t hurt. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a chat with your local representatives. A good natter could go a long way.
And if you’re feeling bold, why not throw your own name in the hat next time around? There’s nothing to say your voice couldn’t be the one leading the charge from the inside.
Voting in the local elections will be held on Friday, June 7. Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm.
