Cristíona Kiely
Once an activist, always an activist
As your representative for Tramore and Waterford City West, I am a strong green voice, championing real action on climate change, road safety, housing, nature, equality, safety, childcare, active travel, safe spaces, building our community and a sustainable future.
I'm pushing for an off-road Tramore-Waterford Greenway, a nature park in Ferrybank, Community Childcare in Tramore, a Waterford City Manager, an e-bike scheme for Tramore, Waterford's first School Street, a pilot scheme for dampness in social housing and safe footpaths, bike lanes and pedestrian crossings for Tramore, Ferrybank and the city centre. And much more!
Please give me your #1 vote on June 7th.
Housing: I'm working with Green Party colleagues to make sure the Housing for All plan introduced by Government in 2020 helps as many Waterford people as possible through providing social, affordable, cost rental and private homes. I'm available to help people secure their new home or get on the property ladder by introducing them to the various supports and grants currently available. We need more housing for everyone but especially young people and families who have been left behind.
Community Childcare: Tramore parents know we don't have enough childcare. I want a dedicated Community Childcare facility to provide childcare for Tramore's growing population and to facilitate all parents who need it.
Safe Streets: I want to see more Community Gardaí on our streets, keeping them safe for everyone at all hours of the day and night so no one ever feels vulnerable or unsafe.
Climate Change: We all see that Climate Change is affecting planet and people. Farmers are impacted by the increased rain and our city, towns and villages have seen flooding. As a council, there are so many things we can do to play our role and help others to do so. I want Waterford City & County Council to be a leader in dealing with Climate Change. I also want the Council to install more flood protections, larger drains, more trees for shelter and cooling and to prepare communities for extreme weather.
Nature: People love nature and we just don't have enough in our urban areas. I want to see a Nature Park in Ferrybank. I want to see the grounds of the old Ard Rí hotel purchased for Waterford people to enjoy as a public amenity. I want pocket parks throughout the city and our towns, to bring more trees and nature into our towns and villages for biodiversity, cooling and shade in summer, and because of the beauty and climate change benefits they bring.
Experience
I come from a business background and l've also worked in politics and environmental and social organisations prior to taking my seat on Waterford City & County Council in 2021. I am currently the Chair of the National Executive of the Green Party and Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan Area. I live in Tramore with my husband and 4 children aged from 8-22.
I worked with Greenpeace, the international environmental organisation in the 1990s as an activist working on campaigns throughout Europe, the US, Canada and Japan. My interest in the enviroment was sparked by the dangers posed to Ireland by Sellafield and my interest in Greenpeace was sparked by the work of our Green Party MEP Grace O'Sullivan. I worked on anti- pollution, nuclear and deforestation campaigns internationally and I still see myself as an environmental activist even now. I want a clean planet for my children and yours and I've swapped my life-jacket for a suit jacket to continue doing everything I can to achieve this.
