GE 24 meet the candidates: Louise Heavin (Independent)
Meet the candiates GE 2024
Tell us a little about yourself
Born and raised in Mount Temple, I now live in Athlone with my husband and two children. My journey into politics began when I saw the urgent need to address the housing crisis and dereliction in our town centres. I have also been an activist with ‘Together for Yes’, campaigned for climate action and education equality. After studying architecture in Scotland, I worked abroad in sustainable design before returning to Ireland in 2015. Having been an architect for 10 years and worked in housing for nine years, I have expertise in this vital area. My deep connection to this region and my professional experience allow me to bring practical solutions to local and national challenges.
What do you think should be done to solve the housing crisis?
Housing is a human right. Everyone should have access to a safe, secure comfortable home in their local area. Previous governments have not addressed the housing deficit across society or done enough in terms of housing provision. The state should build affordable rental housing alongside our social housing programme. Investing in this now, will realise long-term gains by retaining our young graduates in the country and reducing reliance on HAP and private emergency accommodation.
On-campus student accommodation needs to be funded and supported at all our universities. The affordable housing schemes should be expanded and reformed, with the government directly building these to bring costs down. There is a large quantity of publicly and privately owned vacant buildings with no defined use. We need a strategy on those. Grants and low cost loans have to be accessible for people who don’t have the upfront cash to enable speedy refurbishment. Our publicly owned vacant buildings should be converted to housing or community use before they fall into dereliction or dilapidation.
What would your party do to address the economic concerns that many people face due to the rising cost of groceries, insurance, fuel...?
The source of the rising costs needs to be tackled. We import far too much energy in this country. Data centres are putting big pressure on our system. We need to ensure that data centres are built alongside renewable projects to avoid rising energy prices. We need a much larger and easier system for retrofitting, including installing free solar panels for people at risk of fuel poverty. Our food system should equally support our farmers and reduce the cost on consumer. Buying quality Irish food should be the cheapest option and would support the local economy.
Would you be interested in doing a deal with larger parties and other independents to form a new government?
The last two governments have performed poorly in relation to the housing crisis and provision of services in Longford Westmeath. I would be reluctant to support a new government largely made up of the same people and who were going to maintain the status quo in that area. If elected to the Dáil, I commit to being a constructive voice in politics working on solutions to the issues we face. I will collaborative with other like minded politicians and parties to put together a programme for government for the common good.
If you were marking the performance of the current government out of 10 what would you give it?
Four out of 10; we can do better.
What one issue would be your top priority if you are elected to the Dáil? Housing.
Do independents have any real power to enact change in the Dáil?
Yes. Independents are likely to form a large part of the next Dáil. In doing so, there is an opportunity to form a coalition based on common objectives and policies. If I don’t form part of a government, I will use my expertise in construction and procurement to hold the government to account. The runaway public spending on most public works must stop. Taxpayers’ money should be carefully spent.
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