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Ciaran Mather, 30 Aug
Fine Gael has selected current Minister Martin Heydon to contest the
Kildare South constituency in the next General Election.
The TD's fellow party members selected Minister Heydon last night
(Thursday, August 29 last) in a convention which took place at the
Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge and which was chaired by Minister Peter
Burke.
Fine Gael have now chosen 32 General Election candidates in 20
constituencies.
Commenting on his selection, Minister Heydon said in a lengthy speech:
"It is an honour this evening to have once again been selected by the
members of Fine Gael in Kildare South to contest the next General
Election, and I value their support greatly.
"Since I was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2011, I have a proven
track-record of delivery for Kildare South, with record investment by
Government across our communities."
He continued: "I am excited for the future in Kildare South, with many
landmark projects underway or nearing completion. Multimillion-euro
Government grants have allowed the redevelopment of the 15,000 capacity
St Conleth’s Park GAA County Grounds in Newbridge.
"In Athy, the redevelopment of Emily Square and the Shackleton Museum,
builds on the positive impact of the €40m Athy Distributor Road.
"The over €7m investment in the Barrow Blueway has also enhanced the
economic and recreational facilities in South West Kildare."
Minister Heydon further said: "As Kildare’s Minister in government over
the last four years, I have worked to help deliver more jobs and
investment into South Kildare.
"From my work with Diageo, where I broke ground on their new €200M
Brewery outside Newbridge, we are now seeing this as a catalyst for
further multimillion-euro investment by companies like Boortmalt in
Athy.
"Supporting our small and medium size businesses like those in the
hospitality sector who are seeking a nine per cent VAT rate on food.
"Coupled with the secured Government grant for the pioneering Athy Food
and Drinks Hub, I have prioritised jobs, investment and training
opportunities.
"However, my motivation in running for Fine Gael in Kildare South in
the next General Election is not based on what I have helped to deliver
in the past, but on what I believe that we can achieve in the future...
Driven by a motivation to make Kildare an even better place to live,
work and visit.
[m50_crash-1725013071659.jpg--traffic_delays_following_collision_on_m50
_yesterday_evening.jpg?1725013071694]
Vehicles damaged and traffic delays following collision on M50
Firefighters rushed to the scene
[MixCollage-29-Aug-2024-11-11-AM-3373-1724926323320.jpg--pictures__pres
ident_s_prize_day_at_clane_golf_club.jpg?1724926323397]
PICTURES: President's Prize Day at Clane Golf Club
Well done to all involved
Minister Heydon then went on to mention public transport in the context
of Newbridge and South Kildare: "From enhanced Local Link routes to
fairer fares for all of our commuters, I will push for further progress
on our public transport offerings in the constituency.
"A second bridge for Newbridge, as well as delivery of additional
school places for primary and secondary students, while seeing the new
special school established in South Kildare are also key priorities.
"A properly funded conservation management plan for our Curragh Plains,
that once and for all places the importance of the plains as a
priority.
"Delivery of a swimming pool for the Newbridge-Kildare town area, as
well as further playgrounds and recreational places for young people,
along with a new county library in Newbridge.
"Farmers across Kildare, like farmers across the country, have come
under significant pressure this year due to the weather, and my focus
remains on supporting them through this difficult time, as the
agricultural sector plays such a vital role in our economy, locally and
nationally."
He concluded: "I have never taken for granted the honour of
representing my county in Dáil Éireann, and I look forward to
continuing to engage with constituents and taking my proven track
record of delivery, to the people of Kildare South in the time ahead."