About Louise Heavin

I am Louise Heavin, an Independent candidate for Longford Westmeath, and a passionate advocate for sustainable living, equitable communities, and meaningful progress in our society. With experience as the former Mayor of Athlone and a strong background in housing and sustainable development, I am committed to bringing about real, tangible change for the people of our constituency. I believe in listening, collaborating, and making practical, impactful decisions that serve everyone. As someone deeply rooted in our community, I’m excited to work toward a future where everyone has the support and resources they need to thrive.


Personal Background

I was born and raised in the beautiful village of Mount Temple and now live in Athlone with my husband and our two children. My upbringing instilled in me the values of hard work, community connection, and the importance of resilience. My background in architecture and sustainable development has been a constant source of motivation. It drives my commitment to finding innovative and sustainable solutions that benefit not only the current generation but also those who will come after us.

My journey into politics began with my concern about pressing issues that impact us all, like the housing crisis and the underuse of vacant buildings in our towns and cities. I have seen firsthand how these problems strain families, diminish the potential of our communities, and leave young people uncertain about their future here. I believe that with dedication, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to social justice, we can tackle these issues head-on. My experience has shown me that real change is possible when we come together to work toward common goals.

Professional Background

After studying architecture in Scotland, I embarked on a career in sustainable design, which took me across borders and gave me a broad perspective on what it takes to create thriving communities. In 2016, I returned to Ireland, bringing back with me a renewed commitment to making a difference in my home country. Today, I work for an Approved Housing Body, where I have the privilege of helping to develop affordable housing solutions for those who need them most. This work is a constant reminder of the importance of housing as a fundamental human right and of the urgent need to ensure everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.

My professional journey has also allowed me to understand the challenges and opportunities unique to Longford Westmeath and Ireland as a whole. I bring both practical experience and a deep love for our region to my candidacy. I am confident that this combination will allow me to represent our constituency with insight and integrity.

Your Candidate – Louise Heavin

Welcome to my campaign! I am proud to be running as an Independent candidate for Dáil Éireann. I am here to be a voice for the people of Longford Westmeath, to speak out on issues of inequality, and to work tirelessly to ensure a bright future for our families and communities. My campaign is built on values of integrity, inclusivity, and action.

But I can’t do this alone. Real change happens when we come together. With your help, we can build strong communities where everyone has a voice and feels they belong. There are so many ways to support our journey—from volunteering to sharing our message with friends and neighbours. Every effort, big or small, brings us closer to our goals. All skills are welcome on our team, and I would be honoured to have you join us.

Please visit the “Get Involved” section of this website to sign up as a volunteer or the “Donate” section if you would like to support Louise Heavin’s campaign.
Together, we can make a difference.

Remember to vote Louise Heavin #1 on General Election day 2024.

Louise Heavin on Connaught Street in Athlone

My Priorities

Louise Heavin at Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion for Pride at Technological University of the Shannon
good quality homes

Housing is a human right, not a privilege, and I am committed to ensuring that every family and individual in our constituency has access to safe, affordable, and quality housing. Too many families are facing housing insecurity, struggling with high rent, or even facing homelessness. As your representative, I will work to address these challenges head-on, advocating for policies and programs that support affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and make homeownership accessible.

Transport equality

Reliable and accessible public transport is essential to the growth and well-being of our communities. In Longford Westmeath, rural areas are often isolated, with limited public transport options that make it challenging for people to commute, access education, and engage with surrounding communities. I am committed to improving public transport services, advocating for better infrastructure, and ensuring that no matter where you live, you have the means to move around freely and efficiently.

bring nature back

Our natural environment is one of our greatest treasures, and I am dedicated to its protection and restoration. I will advocate for policies that protect our ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a healthy, thriving planet. From promoting green spaces in urban areas to supporting farmers who practice sustainable agriculture.

access to Education

Education is a fundamental right, and every parent should have the freedom to choose the type of education that best suits their child. I am committed to working for an education system that is inclusive, diverse, and meets the needs of all families. I will advocate for increased resources for schools, support for teachers, and enhanced educational opportunities in our constituency.

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A Bright Future for Our Communities

Latest Posts for Louise Heavin

Keep up to date with Louise Heavin’s latest posts about the campaign. Find out about Louise’s priorities and campaign events.

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As we prepare for the upcoming General Election, I’m excited to share the first draft of my Election Manifesto for Longford/Westmeath. This manifesto outlines my vision for our community. Focusing on building a sustainable, fair, and prosperous future […]

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I have decided to put myself forward as an independent candidate for Longford Westmeath in the next general election. Longford Westmeath is where I grew up and is where I am now raising my family. I want to see […]

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31% of households are currently renting in Longford and 26% in Westmeath. There are also a number of adult children living with their parents who would like to move out but can’t afford to and others, who might […]

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I’m Louise Heavin and here is my solution for addressing inequality for walking and cycling on rural roads. Walking along the road I grew up on in Mount Temple, I’m struck by how it hasn’t changed too much. This […]

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my campaign. I look forward to connecting with you on this journey to make Longford Westmeath a better place for everyone. Together, we can create the future our community deserves.

– Louise Heavin