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Fianna Fáil local elections candidate vows to make ‘neglected gem of Wicklow’ sparkle again

Fianna Fáil local elections candidate for Bray East, Fergal FitzGerald Doyle.

Tom Galvin
© Bray People

Fergal FitzGerald Doyle has been selected as the Fianna Fáil candidate for Bray East at the Fianna Fáil Bray East Municipal District Selection Convention, which took place at the Bray Chamber of Commerce last Thursday, April 25.

This is Fergal’s first time running for election and he said he is looking forward to getting out on the ground and meeting the constituents.

Fergal and his Polish wife, Karolina, have been living in the area for several years and he said they are very proud to call Bray their home. Before moving to Bray, Fergal worked as a secondary school teacher for five years and thereafter qualified as a barrister and has been practicing law for over 25 years.

From a young age, he has worked with and raised funds for numerous charitable organisations, including St Vincent de Paul, NCBI, Sight Savers International, the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC).

He believes there are many issues that will benefit from his legal expertise, in particular the need to open the Cliff Walk in Bray, opposition to the proposed closure of the Bray N11 exit, housing provision and the need to progress the development of the 55 acres of designated sports lands in Old Fassaroe.

He also believes that the commercial interests of Bray have been neglected in the last few years and there should be a new voice for business.

Fergal also said he wants to see the development of an Enterprise Centre in Bray, with more not less parking and better road management, while the provision of free parking for mothers with children and elderly drivers would encourage more people to shop in the centre of town.

“Why not make Bray town centre as well as the prom, be the attraction?” he asked.

To that end he wants to see a regeneration of Bray Main Street.

“We’ve all seen the colourful seaside towns of Spain and Italy, or nearer to home, why not follow Cobh in Cork, also a sea side town, part of their attraction and draw is because of the very unique and colourful way the buildings and businesses are painted, Why not grant aided repainting and repairing for Bray Main Street?

“Bray is a neglected gem of Wicklow,” he added. “With work and leadership it can regain its sparkle and I am committed to tackling the issues and enhancing the services and amenities of this beautiful sea side town.”