Fine Gael has formally ratified Vivienne Phelan as a new Local Area Representative for the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.
Vivienne, a veterinary surgeon by profession, is based in Stradbally and has been active within the party for several years.
She contested the local election for the party in 2019 and made it to the Sixth Count but eventually lost out to her party colleague Aisling Moran for the final seat.
Currently in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington area, Fine Gael have two Councillors – Aisling Moran and PJ Kelly.
Ms Phelan previously served as Laois-Offaly Fine Gael Constituency Chairperson and as a member of Executive Council, which is their governing body.
Vivienne has been active in the community serving as a Peace Commissioner for the past four years and is involved in a range of community groups.
She currently serves as Chairperson of the Stradbally Electric Picnic Residents’ Committee and Chairperson of the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns.
Commenting on her appointment, Vivienne Phelan said: “I am thrilled with the announcement of my appointment and look forward to getting to work.
“While many young people wish to make a life for themselves in cities or further afield, I love my local community.
“I am passionate about developing its potential and hold boundless optimism for our community. I firmly believe that our community in Laois can well become a flagship model to be the beating heart of rural Ireland.
“In time, I hope I can earn the trust of the people and become one of their representatives on Laois County Council.”
Vivienne added: “Stradbally has become a real focal point in terms of national events such as Electric Picnic, the National Ploughing Championships and RTÉ’s Operation Transformation.
“These are transformative for our local economy and I wish to work with local groups to ensure we continue to put our best foot forward.
“Having worked from a young age in a family business, I am keen to assist local businesses and the farming community in accessing supports.
“They are the creators of local jobs which are vital to our future success and ensuring people of all ages can continue to live and work in our local community.”
Laois-Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, commented: “I am delighted that our party has nominated Vivienne as a Local Area Representative.
“Vivienne has shown commitment and dedication across a range of local community pursuits and projects. She is an ideal representative for the Stradbally area and beyond, following in the Fine Gael footsteps of the late Jim Buggie and in more recent times James Deegan.
“The Phelan name is synonymous with Stradbally and as a young professional she brings a particular expertise in agriculture and rural affairs and Vivienne will work well with our two sitting Fine Gael Councillors PJ Kelly and Aisling Moran.”
Vivienne says her priorities include improving local facilities and infrastructure, being a strong voice for improved accessibility in the community, as well as assisting individuals in accessing their entitlements.
She will be actively engaging with the community to ensure their needs are highlighted and addressed.
Vivienne will continue working to ensure Stradbally and surrounds reach their potential in being great places to live, grow up and do business.
SEE ALSO – Work to commence next week on project to connect Laois town to its graveyard
