Fine Gael selects Minister Martin Heydon to contest Kildare South constituency in General Election

Fine Gael has selected current Minister Martin Heydon to contest the Kildare South constituency in the next General Election.

The TD's fellow party members selected Minister Heydon last night (Thursday, August 29 last) in a convention which took place at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge and which was chaired by Minister Peter Burke.

Fine Gael have now chosen 32 General Election candidates in 20 constituencies.

Commenting on his selection, Minister Heydon said in a lengthy speech: "It is an honour this evening to have once again been selected by the members of Fine Gael in Kildare South to contest the next General Election, and I value their support greatly.

"Since I was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2011, I have a proven track-record of delivery for Kildare South, with record investment by Government across our communities."

He continued: "I am excited for the future in Kildare South, with many landmark projects underway or nearing completion. Multimillion-euro Government grants have allowed the redevelopment of the 15,000 capacity St Conleth’s Park GAA County Grounds in Newbridge.

"In Athy, the redevelopment of Emily Square and the Shackleton Museum, builds on the positive impact of the €40m Athy Distributor Road.

"The over €7m investment in the Barrow Blueway has also enhanced the economic and recreational facilities in South West Kildare."

Minister Heydon further said: "As Kildare’s Minister in government over the last four years, I have worked to help deliver more jobs and investment into South Kildare.

"From my work with Diageo, where I broke ground on their new €200M Brewery outside Newbridge, we are now seeing this as a catalyst for further multimillion-euro investment by companies like Boortmalt in Athy.

"Supporting our small and medium size businesses like those in the hospitality sector who are seeking a nine per cent VAT rate on food.

"Coupled with the secured Government grant for the pioneering Athy Food and Drinks Hub, I have prioritised jobs, investment and training opportunities.

"However, my motivation in running for Fine Gael in Kildare South in the next General Election is not based on what I have helped to deliver in the past, but on what I believe that we can achieve in the future... Driven by a motivation to make Kildare an even better place to live, work and visit.

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Minister Heydon then went on to mention public transport in the context of Newbridge and South Kildare: "From enhanced Local Link routes to fairer fares for all of our commuters, I will push for further progress on our public transport offerings in the constituency.

"A second bridge for Newbridge, as well as delivery of additional school places for primary and secondary students, while seeing the new special school established in South Kildare are also key priorities.

"A properly funded conservation management plan for our Curragh Plains, that once and for all places the importance of the plains as a priority.

"Delivery of a swimming pool for the Newbridge-Kildare town area, as well as further playgrounds and recreational places for young people, along with a new county library in Newbridge.

"Farmers across Kildare, like farmers across the country, have come under significant pressure this year due to the weather, and my focus remains on supporting them through this difficult time, as the agricultural sector plays such a vital role in our economy, locally and nationally."

He concluded: "I have never taken for granted the honour of representing my county in Dáil Éireann, and I look forward to continuing to engage with constituents and taking my proven track record of delivery, to the people of Kildare South in the time ahead."