Longford Local Elections 2024: Grassroots community development is vital

People will recognise the name of Independent candidate Francesca Pawelczyk from her involvement in many community groups and serving as a Longford Public Participation Network (PPN) representative.

Although she feels more comfortable working behind the scenes, Francesca is seeking the support of the electorate to give her the opportunity to represent and advocate for all the people of the Ballymahon LEA.

“The five years I served as a PPN Representative for community groups showed me the importance of having strong voices on council committees, and that all council committees accurately reflect the diversity of our communities.”

A resident of Ardagh since 2004, her initial involvement in community group work began in 2017 as one of the founding members of the Ardagh Preservation Society.

During 2021, she led the group’s campaign to protect Ardagh House and Demesne from a rezoning request made by the current owners during public submissions of the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027.

If elected, the main focus of Francesca’s term will be grassroots community development. She is asking the people of Ballymahon to give her the opportunity to continue not only working with and for community groups, but for all the people in the Ballymahon LEA.