Waterford Election 2024: 11 questions with Cllr Jody Power (Green Party)

Ahead of this weekend’s local elections the Waterford News & Star asked candidates to answer 11 quickfire questions to give the electorate a view of their priorities and what can be expected from them if elected.

Cath lab or airport?

Without doubt – both. Any regional capital with a Level 4 Hospital and a not quite fit-for-purpose Regional Airport demands that such vital infrastructure be provided as a minimum. Regarding our hospital, much has been achieved over the last two years. There is so much happening on the UHW front and much more to do.

The new €200 million Surgical Hub for minor procedures and day cases has commenced on the old Snowcream site; an MRI upgrade is currently required plus an upgrade of the Heli Pad to accommodate our Coast Guard 117 and the perennial problem, adequate parking. Staffing levels - 200 extra staff added but UHW is far behind other Level 4 hospitals in most areas. Primary Care has 60 Physio vacancies, with Dietician and Occupational Therapies, 30 vacancies each. Recruitment is a major problem – qualified personnel are just not out there. Digitization of patient records is also far behind schedule with no improvement anticipated soon.

Not so with the Waterford Regional Airport [WRA]. It has been a very frustrating experience for me sitting on the board of WRA with many false dawns over the last five years. Hopefully, the latest iteration of the saga will bear fruit as all is in place to proceed with the runway extension just waiting on the €12 million green light from the Government. I have been in direct contact with Minister Ryan to this end, specifying the significance of our airport to future proof the entire region. FDI executives in our locality, the Chamber of Commerce and many local firms have joined the chorus for the Airport to be upgraded.

Specific problem in your own electoral ward you would like to see addressed?

Waterford City East – the airport and UHW, plus traffic congestion, crumbling and broken footpaths, poor public realm, severe lack of sport and recreational facilities, no teenage hang-out hubs, poor bus service with inadequate safe bus stops, a dying Estuary, choked harbours at Cheekpoint and Passage East, raw sewage and chemical run-off polluting our rivers and streams, better walking and cycling infrastructure, more Safer Route to Schools initiated, much better tree management etc.

What's your favourite film or book?

All of Pink Floyd. Book - current one: 'What Terrorists Want', by Louise Richardson (from Tramore). Just a mighty insight.

Why did you get into politics?

To rid the world of fossil fuels.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Becoming Mayor of my city.

Potholes or cycle lanes – which would you invest in first?

Trick Question – cycle lanes of course. The pot holes are perennial, they’ll always be with us whereas cycle lanes will always give us a healthy alternative and no fatalities.

Tea or coffee?

Cappucino.

Your favourite blaa filling?

Rasher and fried tomato, buttered of course.

Biggest political influence?

Robert F Kennedy.

Who makes the most dinners in your house?

My Ukranian mother.

What one thing would you most like to see change in Waterford during your term if elected?

The commencement of a Metro for Waterford City, made possible from the Community Fund, guaranteed solely to Waterford from the Offshore Energy production off our coastline. A 30-year bond and an €80 million a year dividend for the City and County when our off-shore is in full production will completely transform our future with the added bonus of Green Energy solely available in this area to entice any new power hungry industries to set up here. Waterford has a five year head start on all other national areas in Blue Power Generation – lets not blow this revolutionary opportunity.