Robert Dowds has been selected by the Labour Party to run for the 2019 local elections in the Clondalkin Local Election Ward which also includes the rapidly expanding villages of Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle. He comes to this contest with much experience, having served as a councillor, mayor and TD in the past. Dowds said he was very honoured to be selected to run. His two big priorities as a candidate will be the delivery of housing, both private and social, along with greatly improved public transport. Much improved public transport is needed to make it easier for people to move about and, also to reduce our carbon footprint.
Dowds has a record of public service which goes back to 1999. For him it was an honour, with the help of others, to deliver many important pieces of infrastructure to the area such as housing, new schools especially in Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle as well as changing rooms in Corkagh Park and the Brú Chrónáin Heritage Centre at Clondalkin’s Round Tower. Dowds paid tribute to the retiring Labour councillor, Breeda Bonner, who has played a most positive and dynamic role as a councillor since 2011. Breeda was instrumental in setting up the Tidy Towns organisation in Clondalkin Village and elsewhere, as well as getting the heritage centre at the Round Tower completed to focus on two of her many achievements. It is a matter of real regret that she’s hanging up her boots according to Dowds. The candidate has continued to be very active in his local community. He is the current chair of the Clondalkin Tidy Towns and serves on the board of Tower Credit Union. He also acts as a volunteer teacher in the Clondalkin Inter-Cultural Centre and as a volunteer in the Brú Chrónáin Heritage Centre. Chomh maith le sin, tá Gaeilge aige agus is breá leis í a úsáid.
