Áras hopeful Humphreys visits Portlaoise

ON her first official day in the Presidential Election campaign Heather Humphreys visited Portlaoise last week.

She started her day with a visit to Portlaoise Library - a project she opened in 2023 as the then Fine Gael Minister for Rural and Community Development.

Speaking on her visit, Ms Humphrey said: “It’s really great to be back in Portlaoise Library which I was so proud to open when I was Minister for Community Development. This beautiful library is an essential part of the community here in Portlaoise and it was just one of many projects as part of my nationwide strategy to enhance and develop our library services across the country. It’s great to see the library being used by people of all ages in the local community.” Stepping across the road from the library the presential hopeful also visited Hughes Pharmacy which was marking World Pharmacist’s Day.

She said: “Pharmacists are at the heart of our communities, providing a really valuable service to young and old. We rely on pharmacists, and it is important to acknowledge the work they do in providing healthcare in the community.” Her next stop was at Portlaoise Railway Station. Here she highlighted the free travel companion pass for all over 70s, a measure - she reminded those in attendance - she introduced as Minster for Social Protection which takes effect next week.

She said: “I was determined to ensure that people over 70 could bring a friend or relative along with them on public transport journeys free of charge. This is a measure I introduced to combat loneliness and isolation and to help support older people to keep active so they can travel around our beautiful country for as long as they wish, and this measure makes it a little easier for them to do so.”