Speakers’ Corner: Derek Mitchell

On the campaign trail…

ith campaigning already underway for May 24th’s local elections, we’ve asked each of those running to answer five simple questions about where they’ve been, where they’re at, and where they hope to take us all.

Especially given that they’ve all agreed to keep our town and village centres free from campaign posters.

Day by day, each entry will be given the floor, unedited, to express their plans and hopes, their dreams and schemes.

And to keep it fair, we’re doing this alphabetically. So, next up is Cllr Derek Mitchell, a long-standing Fine Gael presence in the area.

Take it away, Derek…

What inspired you to become involved in local politics? Was there a Road To District Council moment…?
Spending 22 years campaigning to get the DART to Greystones led to getting involved in local politics and campaigning for better infrastructure.

Of your work so far, are there particular achievements that you are particularly proud of?
The DART, getting the Park n’ Ride, and lots of bike parking.
Getting Greystones Harbour rebuilt as a major public amenity and focal point. The first harbour built on the open sea in Ireland since Rosslare was built in 1906.

Looking forward, what are the main goals that you would like to achieve over the coming years?
More frequent DARTs and Kilcoole trains per my 2018 report.
Expand Park n’ Ride.
Get more children to cycle and walk to school by providing safe paths.
Get jobs provided locally to reduce commuting.
Ensure no more rezoning for housing until infrastructure, including schools, has caught up.
Get N11 upgraded including bus lanes & express buses.

To turn a fine Mayor Quimby quote into a question, ask not what you can do for your county, but what you can do for Greystones…?
As previous

If being a politician doesn’t work out, have you got a Career B in mind? Dancer? Magician? Traffic warden…?
Go sailing and enjoy riding classic bike.

You can find out more about Derek Mitchell on the Fine Gael website here, on Facebook here, and his very own website here. There will be a chance to meet all the local candidates at Greystones Tennis Club on Tuesday May 7th, at 7pm.