Cllr Aisling Dolan to run for Fine Gael in Roscommon-Galway constituency

COUNCILLOR Aisling Dolan will contest the next General Election in the Roscommon-Galway constituency as a Fine Gael candidate.

At a meeting of Fine Gael’s Executive Council last night, Cllr Dolan was added to the constituency ticket to run alongside Senator Maura Hopkins.

Cllr Dolan, based in East Galway, said it will be an honour and a privilege to have an opportunity to contest the Roscommon-Galway constituency in the upcoming election.

Cllr Dolan comes from a farming background based in Poolboy, East Galway and Ballydangan, Moore, south Roscommon.

She is currently a project manager at NUI Galway working in Health Innovation with start-ups in medtech and people from the HSE. Working previously at Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland, Aisling has experience in public policy and applying for funding at a national & European level.

“I grew up helping out on the farm both here in Poolboy and out in Moore, and with family and friends coming from both counties, this region is home to me.”

Aisling Dolan was elected to Galway County Council last May and was instrumental in securing funding for the long awaited 50 Bed Unit in Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH). She led a delegation with Fine Gael from the hospital to the Dáil for a round table meeting with Minister for Health, Simon Harris.

“Funding was granted at this meeting and the tenders have been issued for the enabling works. The 50-bed unit of single en-suite rooms are scheduled for completion in 2023, which will bring patient care in PUH up to the highest modern standard,” Cllr Dolan said.

Before becoming a councillor, she campaigned vigorously on environmental issues and against the inappropriate location of a proposed massive waste facility in Ballinasloe. She is working with local groups and Hidden Heartlands to develop walkways, cycleways and blueways, including the redevelopment of the unused Grand Canal basin which serves south Roscommon and east Galway all the way to Ballinasloe.

‘My track record shows my commitment to this region and my vision to make this area a place to live, work and visit. My priorities are aligned with Fine Gael policies in Project Ireland 2040.

“My focus is on healthcare with our hospitals in Portiuncula & Roscommon, to fight for investment in jobs, broadband, tourism and to protect our environment – to make this a place to live for our families and the next generation.

“Jobs are a priority. Broadband could be a game changer. It will facilitate working from home and internet hubs, which now should be set up in every town in the constituency,” Cllr Dolan said.