Aontú reveals its general election candidate for Limerick

LIMERICK councillor Sarah Beasley has been selected to run for Aontú in the upcoming general election.

With voters in Ireland expected to go to the polls later this year to elect a new Dail, she will be hoping to make it two successes in the same year.

It came after the homelessness campaigner made history to become Aontú's first ever councillor in Limerick, taking the sixth seat on the northside.

In contesting the four-seat Limerick City constituency, she will go up against Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan, whom she previously worked for.

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Cllr Beasley says she will be relentless in holding government to account and actively lobby for vacant houses to be turned around quicker.

She has pledged that if in government her party will ensure that a new emergency department will be opened in the Mid-West to alleviate pressure on the system.

She said: "Limerick has the potential to be the jewel in the crown of the Mid West, but rising crime and anti-social behaviour is a blight on the city. This can be tackled by gardai on our streets and investing in youth programs to divert children and young people away from a dangerous and damaging life of crime. Drug and alcohol addiction is a huge problem, and we urgently need beds opened in St Joseph’s Hospital for people with addiction, and step-down facilities to ensure appropriate and smooth reintegration into society”.

Cllr Beasley says she will raise awareness of the dangers of drugs, and work with schoolchildren to ensure they hear real stories from recovering addicts about the impact of addiction and drug abuse.

Since lockdown, Cllr Beasley has organised homeless outreaches from Aontú’s office on Thomas Street in the city centre.

She also chairs the Rhebogue Residents Association and highlighted University of Limerick's overpayment, by millions of euro, for housing units designed for affordable housing which instead went to postgraduates.