SERIES: Political hopes and ambitions for 2023 - Louth's Cllr Pearse McGeough

The Dundalk Democrat asked local TDs, councillors and senators from north and mid Louth to share their hopes, ambitions and predictions for the year ahead. In this article, Sinn Féin's Cllr Pearse McGeough shares his thoughts on 2023

In 2023 I would like to see progress on the Ardee Western Bypass. The traffic in Ardee is a nightmare at certain times of the day and this would alleviate some of that. It is especially important to have it done before the Ardee 2040 regeneration programme is underway.

People have been really struggling over the past few years and now we are in the midst of a cost of living crisis.
In 2023 I would like to see people, especially workers and families getting a break. I would like to see people being made a priority instead of big corporations.

The energy companies should be paying a ‘windfall tax’ and that money should be put into people’s pockets. Energy prices should be capped. It’s heart-breaking to see older people and families too afraid to turn their heating on because of the costs.

I would like to see more investment in the Housing Adaptions Grants and Disabled Persons Grants. At the minute, the waiting list is around 2-3 years for these ‘priority’ adaptations.

I would like to see the Government increasing funding to these grants so that people can remain independent and live at home for longer thus reducing dependence on nursing homes and hospitals.

I would like to see a United Ireland in my time so in 2023 I would like to see the setting up of a Citizen’s Assembly to make that happen. I believe we will see the conversations around the re-unification gather apace in the coming year.

I hope to see my local club the O’Connells GAA win the Intermediate Championship and see Louth bring the Sam Maguire to the County.