Speaking after his selection to run in the Local Elections on 7th June, in the Balbriggan Local Electoral Area, Councillor Brendan Ryan reflected on the past year since he was co-opted to Fingal County Council to replace his party colleague, Councillor Seana O’Rodaigh. “It has been a very busy year which has just flown by.” he said. “But it has been so enjoyable” he added. “We are now just approaching one year since I took the decision to accept the co-option and return to local politics. I have enjoyed engaging again with old friends and organisations. I am thankful for the encouraging feedback that I have received, and I have enjoyed the busy schedule.” He said “In the past year I have pushed for: Balbriggan Town Hall to reopen to the public; Balbriggan beach water quality improvement; supports for small business in Balbriggan; need for local shopping in Balbriggan. I have highlighted road safety concerns; dangerous junctions; need for Improvement in footpaths; lighting of footpaths; accessibility of footpaths; improved bus services to and from Balbriggan.” He added. “Derelict sites, dumping, right sizing Housing provision, swimming pool campaign, beach condition, facilities for groups and engagement with Gardai are all matters that I have been actively engaged in during the past year.” “Balbriggan Community events that I have really enjoyed during the year are the St Patricks Day parade, the St Brigid’s Festival of Light. poetry and music events at the Warehouse, and the Town Awards night. Balbriggan people have always been great for coming out in such numbers for community events.” “Being a Councillor has given me the opportunity to be a member of the URBACT local leadership group for the Development of Stephenstown Industrial Park, in Balbriggan, the North Dublin Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, the Community Development, Heritage, Culture and Creativity Strategic Policy Committee, and the Comhairle na N’Og Steering Group and I am really enjoying my participation in all of them.” “But most of all I have enjoyed getting back to my clinic work which I had been doing in Balbriggan since 2007 and which I really missed for the short period that I was off the pitch. Friends aften say to me that I am mad when I say this, but I really enjoy the individual contacts, the efforts to find solutions and the genuine gratitude of people when a solution is found.” “I am optimistic about the future of Balbriggan with lots of positive and exiting things coming down the tracks and looking forward to being part of it with the will of the people. It’s great to be back on the pitch!”