New Mayor discusses plans for Waterford with Tánaiste
Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris with Fine Gael Councillor and Mayor of Waterford County Council, Liam Brazil. Picture by Fergal Phillips
New Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Liam Brazil, met with An Tánaiste Simon Harris in Government Buildings yesterday to discuss his plan for Waterford.
Mayor Brazil, who was elected Mayor on June 26, said housing, healthcare and infrastructure were some of the issues discussed.
Brazil, who is based in the rural Comeragh District of the county, also emphasised to Harris the importance of growing Waterford's rural villages.
The new Mayor has long been an advocate for mental health, and he said during meetings yesterday he aims to keep this issue to the fore during his term as Mayor.
He said: “My priorities are clear; build more houses to repopulate our rural villages and keep local shops, schools and GAA clubs alive and promoting positive mental health and trying to remove the stigma attached to mental health and suicide.
“We need a more progressive wastewater treatment system for Irish Water, which is currently slowing down our housing delivery. I also want to see more money in our local roads budget, an allocation which would match increases in inflation.”
The Tánaiste vowed to remain in regular contact with the Mayor to ensure these issues are addressed.
“I want to thank Liam for meeting me in Government Buildings and for the energy he is bringing to his new role. Liam will be a strong voice for Waterford at that table along with Fine Gael Councillors in the area."
(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
