Senator Paudie Coffey is the Fine Gael candidate for the Waterford Bye-Election and a Party candidate for the General Election in the constituency.
Paudie Coffey was first elected to Seanad Éireann (Industrial and Commercial Panel) in July 2007. Polled almost 5,000 first-preference votes in General Election, '07. He was appointed Seanad Spokesperson on Environment, Heritage and Local Government, October, 2007.
Priorities:
University Status for WIT
Childcare assistance, Community Preschool facilities and Affordable Housing for young families.
Promote greater recognition and support by the State of Family Values/Issues.
Delivery of accountability and the provision of essential Health Services to South East Region- Public Radiotherapy, Neurology Specialist Care and Support services, Autism support services.
Adequate resources and Investment in Primary and Secondary schools and education programmes – reduce class sizes and eliminate prefabs, provision of indoor sports facilities in conjunction with Communities.
Tackle anti-social behaviour within Communities and properly resource and train Gardai to respond to the demands of modern Society.
Support and development of Small and Medium Enterprises with specific focus on IDA and Enterprise Irelands role and delivery record for Waterford City and County.
Campaign to have farming re prioritised by Central Government and promote sustainable farming initiatives.
Provision of recreational facilities for our Youth in Communities.
Provision of support services for the elderly and carers to enhance and encourage people to remain to live in their own environment and Communities.
Delivery of essential infrastructure to allow Waterford Towns & Villages grow and develop to reach their full potential.
Campaign for more balanced Regional Development which would benefit Waterford immensely.
Positions:
Elected to Waterford County Council in 1999 and 2004.
Deputy Mayor of County Waterford.
Chairman South East Regional Authority.
Chairman of Waterford County Development Board.
Chairman Strategic Policy Committee –Housing, Corporate Services and Emergency Services, Waterford County Council.
Former member of County Waterford Vocational Educational Committee.
Community Involvement:
Member of Portlaw Heritage Committee
Management Committee member Dr. Martin Hospital, Portlaw
Member of Portlaw Tidy Towns Committee
Member of Portlaw Amateur Musical Society
Member of Portlaw GAA Club - Played at all levels Minor to Senior – Inter County Hurling
Former Selector/Trainer Waterford U/21 Hurling Team
Member of Carrick on Suir Golf Club
Member of Midway Youth Project – to resource and provide facilities for Youth in East Co Waterford
Member of Local Suicide Awareness & Prevention Committee
Founder and Member of Local Playground Committee
Project Leader and Co-ordinator of Successful Community Challenge Project screened by RTE in 2006 –(Refurbishment, on a purely Voluntary basis of old Period Building to house Local Heritage Archive)
Employment/ Business Interests:
Electricity Supply Board – Gracedieu, Waterford.
