Labour getting positive feedback 

The Labour Party recorded positive feedback on doorsteps throughout the campaign leading to next weekend's local elections.

That was the view expressed to Waterford News & Star by Noel Reidy, who is the party's canvass Director of Elections for candidate and sitting Councillor Seamus Ryan.

Referencing the Waterford City South ward, Mr Reidy said the general feedback on the canvas trail to-date was very positive with a number of specific key issues highlighted by constituents.

"We started canvassing proper the first week in April, but in truth we have being leaflet dropping over the last two years," said Mr Reidy.

"Waterford City South is a huge area to cover but we’ve a core group of canvassers who are out on the campaign both day and night," he added.

"Thankfully the weather improved to leave us out."

Labour is running four candidates in the elections including three sitting members of Waterford City and County Council, Councillors John Pratt, Thomas Phelan and Cllr Ryan.

In addition a new face on the campaign this year is Mairead Knight who will contest the Tramore Waterford City West electoral area. Meanwhile, Cllrs Pratt and Phelan will be hoping to get re-elected in the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District area.

"We are getting a very good reception from residents who continue to raise issues and topics on the doorstep," said Mr Reidy, with regard to the campaign in the city.

"The main issues that people are raising is housing, the lack of social and affordable houses in the city," he added. The cost of rental accommodation and young people finding it hard to get on to the property ladder are also issues that were highlighted.

"While out on the campaign it has become noticeable, the number of vacant and derelict houses on council estates, despite the fact that we are in a housing crisis," said Mr Reidy.

"This will be high on our agenda if the Labour Party return councillor’s to the incoming Council," he added.

Other topics being raised on the doorstep include the condition of roads, footpaths and street lighting in housing estates, the need to enforce 30KPH speed limits on housing estates, and the need for more recreation and amenities in throughout the entire county.

"People would also like to see more gardaí present in their area," said Mr Reidy.

Dog fouling and the lack of dog fouling bins along streets and in estates along with illegal dumping on green areas is also an issue of concern and people want to see more CCTV cameras in operation.

Mr Reidy said 24/7 cardiac care is also still high on the agenda for people in Waterford.

"While progress has been made with construction of the new Cath-Lab, the lack of total cover and on a 24 hour / 365 days a year basis, people feel let down by the present Government on this issue," he said.