Many people underestimate the links between City Council and Government when it comes to getting houses built. Hopefully a strong team of Sinn Féin councillors will work tirelessly, alongside a hopefully soon to be led Sinn Féin led government, to deliver what Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party have failed to do for too long.

Sinn Féin’s alternative budget for 2024 set out to deliver greater investment for housing, increasing targets to match demand, cutting out unnecessary red tape which can cause delays of up to two years before a shovel hits the ground, speed up planning, use new modern technology to build and change tax codes to incentivise building of affordable homes. I think we have an abundance of office space and hotels at this stage. Believe it or not there are still lots of vacant sites around Dublin City which are prime for being used for housing development.

I believe that it is everybody’s right to have a home and I would work with my political party and colleagues in the council to increase the number of homes being built and accelerate the speed at which vacant properties both state owned and privately owned are renovated. I would work hard to expand supports available to renters and first time buyers and increase grants to those who wish to renovate properties and vacant properties.

The implementation of the historic new Planning Bill, under the direction of Minister Darragh O’Brien, and spearheaded by the local authorities and will accelerate home building, allowing us to achieve our ambitious new targets of 300,000 homes by 2030. As our population is increasing, I believe the government and council need to work with builders to rapidly increase the speed of construction and I would do everything in my power to do this as I firmly believe everyone has a right to a home.

It's safe to say that the levels of social and affordable housing in the north inner city (and nationally) are completely insufficient. While I do believe that housing supply is a difficult one for individual councillors to deliver, I also believe that with progressive and people-focused councillors, there is plenty of fighting for housing that can be done.

People shouldn’t be pushed out of the city, out of areas they grew up in to new developments in the suburbs, where the majority of the cost rental scheme housing is. The inner city has always been a bustling, diverse and community-driven area- I would hate to this change with only those who can afford exorbitant rents or huge mortgages able to live in the NIC.

We are lucky that we have space for development in the north inner city but I don’t believe we're taking a strategic enough view of these sites. We have seen so many sites zoned for private student accommodation, and aparthotels, which we know are a backdoor way of increasing supply for short-term, tourist-focused lets. On my road in Stoneybatter alone, there are two large-scale student housing developments and serious talk of a third. These developments typically add no community amenities, are often an eye-sore in our communities and fail us all, sadly pitting residents against students rather than fostering inclusion and community integration.

As someone who benefitted from student housing, I know we need to expand the supply and improve the affordability to ensure equality of access. However, abdicating this responsibility to companies who are solely profit-motivated, allowing them to exploit students with eye-watering rents, whilst deepening an affordability crisis cannot be allowed to continue.

We have space, but not an endless supply of sites like Hendrons Building, Telephone House and Infirmary Road. I believe that by taking a more strategic, people-focused and long-term approach to zoning and planning these sites could be providing much-needed homes that serve the community, to ensure that the inner city is an affordable place to live for all, rather than a select few.

I believe we need to take bold and decisive action to begin to tackle the housing crisis. If elected I will work with other councillors to advocate for a significant increase in social and affordable housing construction. This includes working closely with housing associations, and community groups to identify suitable sites for development, as well as consultation processes with resident groups about new developments. Additionally, I will push for balanced and streamlined planning processes to expedite the construction of these much-needed homes.

Sites like O’Devaney Gardens represent the potential for developments in the north inner city. There’s another council-owned brownfield site on Infirmary Road which has amazing potential for more housing, but we need to centre foresight and consultation in this process. It cannot just be about getting housing built, we need to ensure that developments are appropriate and fit for purpose. Housing built with proper consultation with existing residents, the flexing up of resources and amenities to accommodate population increases, and ensuring that properties built are a broad mix of units- public, affordable, family units, one and two beds is my priority. We know from experience that these are the developments that offer practical solutions and, importantly create community. These are the developments I am passionate about fighting for.

For me, very closely linked to housing is vacancy and dereliction, and highlighting these areas and finding solutions will be a priority for me as a councillor, which I’ve expanded upon below. The North Inner City has an 11% vacancy rate in some areas, which is more than double the national average in the 2022 Census figures. By Incentivising the renovation of vacant properties through grants we can turn more empty houses back into homes. I believe that by implementing measures such as the vacant tax levy, we can encourage property owners to put their buildings to productive use. I will champion responsible city planning that prioritises the needs of our communities over profit-driven interests.

The State has a lead role in enabling the delivery of new homes, public and private. Since entering government in 2020, Fianna Fáil, with our Housing for All plan, has overseen the largest numbers of homes being built and bought in a generation. Working together with my party and local authorities I aim to increase the availability and supply of housing. Supporting home ownership is a core objective of our party.

The implementation of the Planning Bill, under the direction of Minister Darragh O’Brien, with the support and endeavour of the local authorities will de-risk and accelerate the building of new home, helping to achieve our goal of 300,000 homes by 2030.

The city council has made big efforts to get more social and affordable housing in the city. Currently there are over 2,000 units under construction, over 3,000 at tender/Part V stage. In addition 1,500 long term leasing units are planned and over 3,300 cost rental units in the pipeline.

DCC has other schemes like the tenant in situ scheme, affordable purchase scheme etc., so I believe we are doing well (although not quickly enough). In order to improve the output, we need central government to ensure funding is available and to get the department to streamline the application/ funding/ development process. We can and will deliver on housing. 

More than 20% of all public housing being built at present is in the North Inner City, with:

• 14 homes being built in Arbour Hill
• 13 nearly completed in Belvedere Court
• 52 being advanced along North Great Charles Street
• 30 on North King Street
• 283 as part of the O’Devaney Gardens redevelopment
• 5 on Prussia Street
• 47 awaiting final snagging on Railway Street

Separately, Dublin City Council will be acquiring through the provision of Part V:

• 70 homes on Castleforbes, Dublin 1
• 55 homes along East Road
• 15 in Northbank
• 4 in Shamrock Place
• 3 along Clonliffe Road.

Almost 340 new homes within the North Inner City are currently at various stages of procurement, including the selector of contractor, etc, with;

• 163 homes as part of the Dorset Street redevelopment
• Up to 100 homes as part of the Infirmary Road scheme
• 68 on the former Readymix site along East Wall Road
• 8 on Sean McDermott Street

In terms of the Housing Regeneration Projects, five separate schemes are at various stages of the planning and procurement processes. A total of 124 homes will be built as part of the redevelopment of the Constitution Hill complex, up to 90 homes along Dominick Street West as part of the proposed deep retrofit project. Up to 130 homes are proposed on Dunne Street and 92 homes have been subject of planning permission as part of the redevelopment of Matt Talbot Court. Potentially 50 homes could be developed on the former Portland Row Depot site.

Separately, within the North Inner City, I have been working with City Council officials and local residents with regards to delivering new and better housing in:

• Croke Villas and Sackville Avenue where 75 apartments and houses are being advanced.
• Approximately 40 homes for senior citizens on the former Orchard Road Depot, just off Clonliffe Road.
• 35 homes have been ear-marked for delivery on a current vacant site at the corner of Russell Street and the North Circular Road.
• Up to 175 homes are proposed on the existing Dublin Fire Brigade Maintenance Depot on Stanley Street in Stoneybatter.

Dublin City Council is also making use of the Buy and Renew Scheme introduced by Fine Gael in Government. This is properties have been acquired under the Compulsory Purchase process. Properties in Montpelier, East Wall, Clonliffe Road and Summerhill have all been acquired recently and works are being advanced now to refurbish them for use and allocation by the Housing Department.

Coupled with the various progress outlined above, individuals and families have moved into new homes within the North Inner City in recent years, including Dominick Street, Sean Foster Place, Poole House on Poplar Row, St. Mary’s Mansions on Sean McDermott Street, Spencer Place on New Wapping Street and as part of the first phase of the redevelopment of O’Devaney Gardens in Montpelier Avenue and Montpelier Close. What the above shows is that we are making progress on the delivery of public and affordable housing, which cannot be questioned. The focus for the next Council term is to step up the delivery of the projects at design and planning stages so that over the next five years, we ensure Dubliners living within the North Inner City have the opportunity to live, raise their families in accommodation suitable to the needs and which is safe and secure.

There is a huge amount of work to be done to deliver the safe and sustainable homes and communities that Dublin needs. Although there are a lot of projects in the pipeline at the moment (approx. 12,000 homes across the city) we need to move a lot quicker to get them from concept to delivery as soon as possible. The Green Party in the City Council have pushed for a policy of public housing on public land and particularly the cost rental model, which will bear fruit with some of the housing coming on stream in the next few years.

I have pushed the Council to take a more proactive role in tackling vacancy and dereliction and turning round city-centre sites to become homes and/or retail units and ensuring that as many vacant or underused sites as possible are subject to the incoming residential zoned land tax to push landowners to develop them. Due to the urgency of the need for housing at the moment, we need to look at every possible avenue for acquiring and accelerating housing delivery: regeneration of existing social housing projects, development of new sites, acquisitions under Part V, tenant-in-situ purchases, CPOs (compulsory purchase order) of derelict sites and working with private owners to develop over the shop units.

It’s also important that we move quickly to clamp down on AirBnBs and other short term lets that don’t have planning permission so that we can bring these homes back into the long-term rental market. This is something that the Green Party have pursued at both national and city level but have faced obstacles by the European Commission. Now, finally, those obstacles have been cleared and we need to get on with implementing it.

The housing crisis has caused misery for countless people across the north inner city. Everyone should have the right to a secure and affordable home. Too many people are paying sky high rents and unable to save up for a deposit to buy their own home. I have countless amounts of people onto me who still live at home in their parents home lots of them with families of their own. People don’t see a way out of their parents box bedrooms because this government and successive ones have failed to support their needs by making housing affordable, efficient and safe. 

A change of government is needed to unravel and reverse decades of bad housing policy. 

Only a Sinn Féin lead government will take a different approach to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. In our 2024 Alternative Budget we set out that a Sinn Féin government would deliver greater investment, increase targets to match demand, cut out red tape which is resulting in delays of up to 2 years before a brick is laid, use new technology to build, speed up planning and introduce changes to tax codes, to incentivise building of affordable homes.

I am currently the only Sinn Féin councillor elected to the north inner city, I need a team around me on the council so we can deliver for the people across our constituency and turn this housing crisis around. 

Mass deportation and save our culture from illegal immigrants. Give accommodation to nurses, teachers and hardworking people. This will reduce waiting lists for a doctor and hospitals. We need to leave the ECHR and return hotels to tourists. #IrishLivesMatter. Take back dilapidated houses in East Wall I have counted 47 boarded up houses.

I think all councillors should vote against the sale of public land to private developers and this is what I will do. The council must build public housing on public land. 

City Managers and the Government have basically bullied councillors into voting for the sale of public land by saying nothing will be built unless it is sold to private developers. This is like saying we’ll cut off your whole hand unless you agree to cut off several fingers. I reject this framework. If more councillors did the same and channelled their energy into building a major campaign for public housing, we could begin to challenge the Government on this and force an alternative.

In terms of the bigger picture and national housing policy, I think we need a state owned construction company that will build social and affordable housing at scale.

We also need a ban on vulture funds.

This is honestly one of the biggest issues I come across when listening to council tenants around the inner city. Many council homes around areas such as Sheriff Street and Summerhill, and throughout the older flat complexes are in terrible condition. People are living with damp, mould, old rotting and leaking windows and doors and experiencing unacceptable huge delays for simple repairs, or delays for upgrades in order to make homes suitable for people with mobility or disability needs. It is heartbreaking at times.

Sinn Féin has proposed significant increases in Government funding for Councils to maintain, refurbish and retrofit Council homes. This includes a specific fund for local authorities to respond proactively to maintenance issues including windows and doors, damp, mould and leaks. Too often, a small leak becomes a huge problem because it is left for too long. People should not have to live in damp, mouldy or unmaintained homes. We would prioritise those homes in greatest need of repair and reduce waiting lists for basic maintenance.

In today's private rented sector, it's evident that far too many homes are in a state of disrepair, posing significant threats to the health and wellbeing of their occupants. Addressing this pressing issue is paramount, and I am committed to enhancing living conditions to guarantee that everyone has access to affordable and high-quality housing, regardless of whether it's through social or private rental avenues.

I am dedicated to exploring a comprehensive array of measures available to local councils, empowering them to take decisive enforcement actions and clamp down on unscrupulous landlords who, whether knowingly or unwittingly, subject their tenants to substandard living conditions, leading to adverse health effects and emotional distress. Phone lines should be available to renters to lodge complaints and response times need to be increased.

I have been renting in Dublin for ten years, and during that time I have lived in some absolute dumps. Due to the chronic undersupply of rental accommodation, soaring demands and lack of housing security in the city I was so disempowered as a renter during this time. I have felt that I couldn’t do or say anything, for fear of potential rent hikes, losing my home if my landlord wanted to find tenants who wouldn't stand up for themselves, knowing that I had nowhere else to go. I know from speaking to my friends, colleagues and neighbours that tens of thousands of people in Dublin find themselves in that same situation.

I believe that improving conditions in existing housing can greatly improve the quality of life for residents in Dublin's North Inner City. To achieve this, I will push for stricter enforcement of housing standards and regulations, holding landlords accountable for maintaining safe and habitable properties. This includes increasing inspections and imposing penalties on landlords who neglect their statutory responsibilities to their tenants.

If elected I will work with DCC to scale up the number of Environmental Health Officers we have. We have been forced to become a city of renters, yet the necessary services and supports for renters have not scaled up to reflect those numbers. The Environmental Health Section and the RTB are snowed under and unable to sufficiently regulate the market to ensure everyone is living in a safe, warm and healthy home that is fit for purpose.

We need to ensure we do not just apply these standards to private landlords and tenants, people living in social housing are just as entitled to safe and fit-for-purpose homes. An assurance that rent paid to the council should be ring-fenced for maintenance and upkeep of council housing- that is a no brainer and something I will work on furthering. We have a massive national budget surplus- I believe that freeing up some of these funds to future proof our current social housing stock and carry out essential improvements is the kind of strategic, long-term and proactive thinking we need.

I will continue to be a passionate advocate for tenant rights and protections, including measures to prevent unfair evictions and rent increases. Strengthening tenants' rights empowers individuals and families to assert their housing rights without fear of retaliation. I would advocate for a European model of longer-term leases- they provide security of tenancy for families and single renters.

Working with groups like Threshold and CATU, I would champion an information campaign to ensure that all renters, private and social, are aware of their rights, of the standards that their rented homes,, must adhere to, and make it easier to access supports if their homes do not meet those standards.

I believe that investing in community-led initiatives for housing maintenance and improvement fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents. By supporting neighbourhood associations and tenant groups, we can mobilise collective efforts to address issues like dampness, disrepair, and inadequate amenities in both social and privately rented accommodation.

The improvement of the conditions in existing social housing has also been accelerated since 2020, with new modern developments finished and underway to replace outdated existing developments. In the private rented sector, too many homes are in a state of disrepair, causing threats to the health and wellbeing of their occupants. Addressing this issue is top of my list, and I am committed to enhancing these conditions so that everyone has access to affordable and high-quality housing, regardless of whether it’s through social or private rental avenues.

A lot of my constituency have pointed to the high rents they are paying to private landlords for tiny spaces. I would like to champion a rent cap on rented property based on size among other factors to help alleviate the problem.

I am completely dedicated to exploring the measures available to local councils, empowering them to take action and clamp down on unscrupulous landlords, subject their tenants to substandard living conditions, leading to adverse health effects and emotional distress.

Dublin City Council has a commitment to improve conditions in existing housing. DCC has over 25,000 social housing units and there has been major engagement with tenants in relation to building adaptability/change.

DCC recently announced that it had, up to the end of 2022, upgraded 9,186 of its social houses under the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme, resulting in an estimated 677,184 MWh of energy savings, worth an estimated €73.6 million saved in energy bills for our tenants.

This programme must be continued until all DCC units are retrofitted and citizens can see, both in physical and financial terms, the benefits of the scheme. In addition, the intensive inspection programme results in over 8,500 privately rented units being inspected every year. 

Dublin City Council has surveyed every single housing complex it manages. Those surveys are detailed and I believe the onus is on Councillors to finalise, early in the new Council term, a programme of upgrades that can be undertaken through a Precinct Improvement Scheme. Such works, I envisage being included relate to insulation, plumbing, wiring, upgrade of windows, doors, etc. I look to the work I have arranged for tenants in O’Brien Hall on Gardiner Street to replace windows and balcony doors, to help reduce heat loss. Too many flat complexes in the North Inner City have water supply issues, whereby internal pumps are not fit for purpose in order to ensure that householders on top floors and balconies actually have water coming into their homes. While there are large scale works required in many complexes, there are even more where small improvements could greatly enhance the quality of life for our tenants.

Particularly in the inner-city, too many tenants are living in substandard accommodation - including mouldy, draughty, cold, insecure and overcrowded houses. In social housing, we need to significantly increase the budget for maintenance so basic things like upgrading to double glazed windows, adding insulation or fixing a mould problem doesn’t take years to do. There has been significant progress on this over the past few years with much greater emphasis on retrofitting and an “enhanced works programme” which supports relatively small but important upgrades. I will push the Council to continue to grow this area of work.

There are also plenty of examples of extremely sub-standard private rented homes in the area too. There is a delicate balance between ensuring environmental health inspections take place to address vitally important issues such as fire safety, while also trying to avoid people being pushed out of their homes (however substandard) into homelessness.

Ultimately increasing the availability of affordable alternatives is the answer to this but in the meantime, we can increase information and support to tenants to understand their rights and take action as and when they decide.

There is also an important body of work in providing information and supporting renters to make basic upgrades so their homes are warmer and more efficient.

Currently my case load is top heavy with maintenance issues, we have people living in Dickensian conditions. Black mould and damp is a huge problem across our housing stock, issues like small leaks are not addressed quick enough to combat the issue and it becomes a much bigger issue. People deserve to live in warm safe homes.  

My party has proposed significant increases in Government funding for Councils to maintain, refurbish and retrofit Council homes. I am currently working with locals in our different flat complexes and housing estates across the constituency to combat these issues and help them to be heard. Local authorities need more funding to manage the maintenance issues including windows and doors, damp, mould and leaks. We would also introduce a regeneration scheme for apartments and flats that are past their lifespan.

People should not have to live in damp, mouldy or unmaintained homes. We would prioritise those homes in greatest need of repair and reduce waiting lists for basic maintenance. 

Refit to make warmer, solar panels, water collection bins.

I will campaign for proper rent controls that result in rent reductions. 

There are also serious issues with poor insulation, damp and mould in both private rental and social housing. We need a state-led retro-fitting programme. It needs to be on the scale of what was done for electrification by the ESB in the past. The current grant schemes, done through private companies, leave too many people unable to afford to properly insulate their homes. I know this can’t simply be done by the council without new Government policy and I will continue to campaign for this.

We also need a City inspectorate of privately rented properties that maintains a register of certified properties.

For social housing, we need more council workers, including local maintenance crews for council housing stock. We need a Tenants’ Charter that sets out standards of service.

I also believe that while policies are important, they are not enough: We need to organise to fight for tenants’ rights. I am proud to be a member of CATU (Community Action Tenants’ Union) and have stood with other members against evictions and unscrupulous landlords. I will continue to do so whether I am elected or not.

The dog poo situation drives me bonkers. I am an absolute lover of dogs and pets in general and I simply can not understand how or why some dog owners refuse to pick up after their dog. The thought of a child getting in trouble for walking dog poo through the house, an elderly person stepping in it, or a person using a wheelchair or mobility scooter having to clean it off their wheels is infuriating.

Everyone needs to have greater respect for their community and understand the impact of their neglectful behaviour. There should be more public bins and poo bag dispensers readily available, and on the spot fines if necessary.

Regarding rubbish, I would support the process of bringing bin services back into public ownership, as well as public waste services such as bins and recycling centres. There is a definite trend of illegal dumping increasing as private waste collection companies increase their charges. I volunteer regularly with my local community clean up group and witness this first hand. Waste collection should never have ben privatised in my opinion.

It’s a goal of every city to provide a clean and pleasant environment for its citizens to live and work. However, the management and disposal of municipal waste, upkeep of sewage systems, and establishment of urban recycling programmes constitute significant allocations within a local authority’s budget. With the correct planning and appropriate expenditure, the local authority can cultivate a highly liveable environment, characterised by minimal pollution, visually appealing streets and public areas, and a path towards sustainability for its residents. I will work hard to ensure this is a reality.

I will fight to increase penalties to combat illegal dumping and littering while also ensuring the sufficient provision of bins and the proliferation of public litter bins, including those for waste separation. I will work to ensure that general local authority services such as street cleaning and litter picking are increased to improve the public realm and to ensure that we all have a clean and prosperous place to live, work, and do business. I would look at the provision of large urban bins such as found in other European cities and their corresponding waste systems and work towards the provision of the most efficient waste management systems and bins in Dublin.

This is a topic I have been hearing from people on the doors a lot, its also one of the reasons I put myself forward for election! This has led me to create a full litter and waste management policy for the North Inner City. As most of us live in densely structured housing- terraced houses at street level and flats, it means our waste management needs are different from other areas and I believe that an inner city-specific waste management plan is the way to go. 

We won’t solve these problems overnight, solving the issue of littering, illegal dumping, and dog fouling requires a multifaceted approach; infrastructure improvements, investment in cleaning resources, and community engagement. If elected, I would look to work with both residents and fellow councillors to implement the following specific measures:

• Increased Surveillance and Enforcement: Deploying CCTV cameras in local ‘hotspot’ areas known for illegal dumping and littering to act as a deterrent. This surveillance can help to identify offenders and make the enforcement penalties more effective. 
• Making sure that litter warden and street cleaning rosters match the reality on the ground. Increasing the presence and visibility of litter wardens and waste enforcement officers can make it easier to enact timely intervention and enforcement actions.
• Strategic Placement of Waste Bins: Ensuring an adequate number of waste bins are strategically placed throughout the city, particularly in areas with high foot traffic is crucial. Properly placed bins can encourage responsible waste disposal and reduce littering. The functionality of these bins can be improved by installing separate bins for recyclables, general waste, and organic waste to promote recycling and proper waste segregation.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of proper waste disposal and the consequences of littering and illegal dumping is essential. These campaigns can include signage indicating the nearest bring centres and bottle banks, and alongside educational materials, and community workshops we can promote a culture of cleanliness and environmental stewardship. 
• Serious Investment in Waste Collection Infrastructure: Upgrading our waste collection infrastructure to improve efficiency and responsiveness is something the council should be at the forefront of exploring. I believe this is vital for fostering community trust in the Council’s ability to keep our streets clean. From knocking on doors and chatting to residents I have heard a lot that this belief has been hugely eroded.  Investing in modern waste collection vehicles equipped with GPS tracking systems for optimal route planning and real-time monitoring for example could make a huge difference.. Additionally, exploring innovative technologies such as smart waste bins that signal when they are full can streamline waste collection operations, dog poo bag dispensers and additional ‘doggy toilets’ that were recently installed on Sean McDermott St. 
• Community Clean-up Initiatives: Empowering community-led clean-up initiatives by providing resources and support to local volunteer groups like Stoneybatter PoP and Ballybough PoP, and the Big Spring Clean is key. Organising regular clean-up events mobilises community participation and fosters a sense of pride in keeping our neighbourhoods clean. Providing equipment such as gloves, litter pickers, and bags can facilitate these efforts.
• Enhanced Street Cleaning Equipment: Investing in state-of-the-art street cleaning equipment, such as mechanical sweepers and high-pressure washers, is vital. Regular maintenance and servicing of this equipment, along with transparency around this can ensure optimal performance and cleanliness of public spaces.
• Green Spaces and Public Parks Maintenance: Enhancing the maintenance of green spaces and public parks discourages littering and illegal dumping. Regular landscaping, grass cutting and litter removal in these areas create inviting and pleasant environments for residents to enjoy, reducing the likelihood of littering and vandalism. We also need to do more work to ensure the accessibility of of these spaces ensuring the needs of disabled residents are upheld, actionable ensuring step-free access and sufficient ramps are a baseline we can build upon.
• Integration of Technology: I am proposing a full review of the litter reporting portal. I have heard from many residents who have reported litter and heard nothing back via this portal and are feeling seriously let down. Utilising technology solutions such as mobile applications for reporting littering and illegal dumping incidents empowers residents to report incidents quickly and easily are essential to improving the functionality of these online services. This facilitates fast action by Dublin City Council, improving response times and accountability. I would also like to roll out an information campaign targeted at older residents who may be unfamiliar with the portal and its functionality. 
• Collaboration with Local Businesses: Partnering with local businesses to promote responsible waste management practices and provide incentives for businesses to implement waste reduction and recycling initiatives is essential. Working with businesses to adopt sustainable practices contributes to a cleaner environment and strengthens community partnerships.  I would also expand the BagBin initiative to businesses across the inner city, protecting commercial waste from those pesky seagulls.

Rubbish and dog poo all over the city is not a good look and creates an unhealthy environment. I want to provide a Healthy, clean and pleasant environment for everyone to live and work in. The management and disposal of waste, the upkeep of sewage systems, and the creation of urban recycling programmes all constitute significant allocations within a local authority’s budget. With the correct planning and appropriate expenditure, the local authority can create a healthy environment, minimal pollution, visually appealing streets and public areas.

I will work hard to ensure this is a reality. I will fight to increase penalties to combat illegal dumping littering and dog pooing while also ensuring enough public bins, including those for waste separation and animal waste and dedicated dog pooing areas. I will work to ensure that local authority services such as Litter wardens, street cleaning and litter picking are increased to improve the public realm and to ensure that everyone has a clean and healthy place to live, work, and relax.

The good news here is that a new statutory instrument came into operation in February this year, which will allow more CCTV to be put in around the city. This should have a dramatic impact on fly tipping/dumping etc. Dublin City council are putting in place a senior management CCTV oversight board to reviewed business cases for the use of CCTV and make recommendations on the authorisation thereof. 

2023 saw 475 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish on the streets of Dublin Central. This is totally unacceptable. I chaired a DCC Working Group that recommended to Government the need for new powers on the use of CCTV for the prevention, detection and prosecution of Waste Offences. Those laws are now in place. Using CCTV to identify those doing the dumping and to support the prosecution of dumpers continues to be the single most effective tool to combat illegal dumping. As a result of my efforts, I am pleased that DCC is now procuring a CCTV system that will be in place shortly. The existing Litter Management Plan and Street Cleaning schedule for not fit for purpose and we need to radically update our cleaning methods and how we better prioritise street cleaning, power-washing and weeding. Delivering quality roads and ensuring that footpaths are not falling apart is also a significant factor in helping tackle the appearance and cleanliness of the city. One last issue here is the protection and ultimate enhancement of our recycling services and Bring Centres. Since 2019, I have worked tirelessly to prevent the closure of the Shamrock Terrace Recycling Centre on the North Strand and had to submit a Section 140 motion to stop the Grangegorman Bring Centre being downgraded or possibly closed. At a time when we need to be encouraging more Dubliners to recycle and reuse, we cannot allow essential services like these to be lost. I would also argue that enhance our recycling centres by the establishment of Repair Centres in Grangegorman and Shamrock Terrace, for example, so that residents and householders can have common items repaired instead of having them replaced, or worse still being dumped. We need to think outside the box a little more when it comes how we make Dubliner cleaner, greener and more vibrant.

Litter and dumping are at crisis levels in the North Inner City. People are stepping over bags torn apart by seagulls, dumped furniture, strewn litter and dog poo every day when they leave their houses. The vast majority of people who live in the inner city are doing the right thing but are being let down by the rest and by a system which wasn’t designed with inner city living in mind. So many apartments, flats and terraced homes don’t have wheelie bins, can’t separate their food and organic waste and rely on bags that are messy and obstructive on footpaths.

I set up a working group on the Council, supported by Minister Ossian Smyth, looking at what is possible within our current powers to tackle the issue and then make recommendations on what needs to change in our primary legislation and bye-laws so we can take more effective enforcement action. We’ve been trying the same thing for years and things are getting worse - we need to try something different now! I’ve also worked with Neasa Hourigan, Green Party T.D. for the area, to bring in a new bill to tackle rogue landlords who encourage tenants to dump their waste instead of providing them with suitable disposal facilities.

In addition to this, I am pursuing simple but important pieces: more bins, seagull proof bags, shared bins for terraced streets, education so everyone knows where to get bags, what day they will be collected etc, proportionate use of CCTV and greening and beautification of dumping blackspots to restore some pride in areas that are mistreated. Ultimately I would love to see shared and underground bins for the city but I think its important that we continue to act on other solutions in the meantime. And while no one intervention is a silver bullet, in combination, I think we can turn the tide.

I fully and continue to support the process of bringing bin services back into public ownership, as well as public waste services such as bins and recycling centres. I was a member of a sub committee on littering and used that platform to highlight the many issues facing the north inner city in relation to waste management, illegal dumping and dog fouling. I will continue to work towards finding solutions that work to help make and keep Dublin clean and friendly. 

Makes me sick dog poo every where in Fairview. More bins, education.

The privatisation of bin services has been a major contributor to the dumping seen throughout the city. The bin service should be taken back into public ownership.

The City Council has undertaken deep cleaning within the core commercial centre. This needs to be extended throughout the city. This will require more council workers - there are still 18% less council workers in Dublin than there were in 2008.

The amount of vacant and derelict properties within the inner city is shocking. Walk 15 minutes in any direction around the inner city and you will see dozens of examples, whether they be vacant homes, derelict buildings such as the beautiful Aldborough House on Portland Row, or the historic Conway’s Pub on Parnell Street. Many of these are lying idle for years, often left to rot and become an eyesore within our communities. I would encourage council authorities to carry out compulsory purchases where possible and return these properties to suitable use. The derelict sites levy also needs to be improved to speed up the return of vacant social homes.

Addressing vacancy and dereliction is a key priority for Fianna Fáil, and this is no different at local authority level. The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which was launched in January 2023, outlines the significant progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return as many vacant properties back into use as possible. There are now a range of schemes and supports in place to support addressing vacancy.

One of these key initiatives to address vacancy and dereliction has been the introduction of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. From May 2023, up to a maximum of €50,000 in grant funding is available to support the refurbishment of a vacant property into a home. Where the property is confirmed as derelict, up to a maximum of €70,000 in grant funding is available. This, along with other schemes such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme, and the new CPO Activation Programme are all working to decrease rates in vacancy and dereliction, and I will continue to push these programmes of work to ensure that we see further significant increases in properties coming on stream to buy and rent.

I will also work hard with my colleagues to ensure that the local authority is utilising every mechanism available to it under planning regulations to bring vacant properties back to the market, such as the regulations that exempt the need for certain vacant commercial premises, including ‘over the shop’ type spaces, from requiring planning permission to change to residential purposes. I will also ensure that the Vacant Homes Officer in the local authority is doing all in their powers to speed u this process.

The vacancy rate in the north inner city is twice the national average in some areas, which is appalling!  Vacant areas in our communities present untapped potential for community improvement, and this potential needs to be harnessed. I am dedicated to reclaiming these spaces for the benefit of our communities. I would say it’s time to think outside the box regarding the inner city, but urban rejuvenation is hardly a radical idea.

We are told repeatedly that Dublin is getting wealthier. Bigger, better, shinier. This is true if we are counting the hotels and large vacant commercial property blocks that occupy the space of former iconic venues, but it is hard to see the added value this wealth has brought during my ten years of living in this city. All I’ve noticed is that my and my neighbours' rents have skyrocketed. The inner city has continued to succumb to vacancy and dereliction. 

The most sustainable building is the one that is already built, and I believe that sustainability should be at the heart of all actions we take. By tackling vacancy and dereliction  we can bring valuable space back into use but it is also a valuable opportunity to incorporate more sustainability into the regeneration and revitalisation of the inner city. 

Addressing vacancy and dereliction more broadly requires proactive policies, both short and long-term strategies and targeted interventions. If elected, I would take the following steps to reclaim our city's spaces for community use:

• Advocate for the application of the vacant tax levy to all applicable properties, incentivising property owners to bring vacant buildings back into productive use.
• Work with fellow councillors to push for the compulsory acquisition of derelict buildings by Dublin City Council. This allows for the restoration and refurbishment of neglected properties, potentially converting them into much-needed housing or community facilities.
• I think combatting vacancy and dereliction by revitalising neglected spaces in our community such as the Ambassador Theatre is another good avenue to brining cultural vitality back to the inner city, while combatting vacancy and dereliction. As a poet myself, it pains me to see the dwindling space for culture, music and art in our inner city which has historically been Dublin's hub for music, culture and the arts. 
• If elected I would prioritise the redevelopment of key locations such as the Smithfield Fruit and Veg Market, George’s Dock, Hammond Lane, and Aldborough House, advocate for the compulsory acquisition of derelict buildings by the City Council to enable community-focused restoration projects such as housing developments like Tyrrell Place as opposed to aparthotels such as the planning permission approved for Telephone House last year. 
• Right next to Telephone House on Marlborough St are a series of commercial and retail units, with vacant, derelict, and crumbling residential units on the 1st and 2nd floors. I believe that bringing residential units like these back into use would revitalise the streetscape and be a good stepping stone to fighting vacancy and dereliction in the inner city. 
• A huge issue I’ve noticed is that sites become tied up in protracted planning stages and red tape while the area remains unusable by the public and an idle eyesore. Some spaces, like the Smithfield Fruit and Veg Market, are just unsafe, but I would love to see an exploration of temporary usage of public land that is being disused for long periods of time due to planning issues, such as Hammond Lane, as space for temporary markets. 
• Collaborate with community groups, and urban planners to identify creative solutions for repurposing vacant spaces. This could include initiatives such as pop-up shops, community gardens, or cultural hubs that revitalise abandoned areas and contribute to the vibrancy of our neighbourhoods. The dual issues of declining cultural spaces and vacancy could also be targeted by initiatives to facilitate pop-up studio and rehearsal space in vacant buildings. I truly believe that these spaces would benefit the inner city enormously, and whilst I acknowledge that artists require long term residency space and security of tenure, these pop ups could maintain footfall levels and fight vacancy across the ey strand in the tapestry. It’s evident to those of us living in the inner city that the underlying cause of many of these issues is that our communities have been left behind, in both resourcing and development.

  

Vacant and derelict sites around the city are unsightly and can pose a danger to the community. Addressing vacancy and dereliction is a key priority for Fianna Fáil, and this is no different at local authority level. The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which was launched in January 2023, outlines the significant progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return as many vacant properties back into use as possible. There are now a range of schemes and supports in place to support addressing vacancy.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant along with other schemes such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme, and the new CPO Activation Programme are all working to decrease rates in vacancy and dereliction. I will continue to support and push these programmes to ensure we see further increases in properties being made available to buy and rent.

I will work with my colleagues to ensure that the local authority is utilising everything available to it under planning regulations to bring vacant properties back to the market and ensure that the Vacant Homes Officer is doing everything in their powers to speed up this process.

Vacant and derelict sites are a blight on the city and the implementation of the derelict sites act and vacant property levies need to be enforced in a much stricter and faster way. There could be a huge housing bonus for us if this were properly tackled.

What I am doing as Chair of the City Council’s Planning & Urban Form Strategic Policy Committee is working with officials to establish how the Derelict Sites and Vacant Sites legislation can be enhanced, given successful Dublin City Council has been at utilising it powers. I argued within my party and with colleagues in Government for greater use of CPO powers for sites and buildings considered derelict. In my time chairing the Planning & Urban Form Strategic Policy Committee, the Council’s use of its compulsory purchase order powers has increased, and a clear example is how Dublin City Council has a acquired as row of eight derelict houses on Tyrrell’s Place, just off Charles Street that are being redeveloped under the Buy and Renew Scheme for allocation in the coming weeks. I have used my role to identify sites within the North Inner City currently derelict and are both a plight and a scourge on our communities for possible acquisition.

Dereliction is dragging down our whole city. Walk a couple of hundred metres along Parnell Street from O’Connell to Marlborough and you will pass 6 or 7 derelict, dilapidated and vacant buildings, preventing the whole street from living up to its potential. I am pushing the Council to add all eligible buildings to the derelict sites register and to move forward with buying these buildings and turning them around so they offer something back to the street in the form of retail, hospitality and ideally over-the-shop living instead of taking away from it. Buildings like Aldborough House at the Five Lamps need to be championed to push for community, childcare, arts and social spaces that the city desperately needs instead of a building that has been vacant and idle for as long as I can remember. I have also worked with communities on projects like community gardens to make good use of spaces that are underused while a long-term development plan is progressed.

Vacant and derelict properties are the bane of my life, I have so many people onto me every day looking for homes and we see high levels of vacant properties and dereliction in our capital city, especially across the north inner city. Not only are these vacant and derelict buildings flying in the face of those desperate for a home, they make the city and our communities look awful. I would continue to call for local authorities to compulsory purchase where practical and return derelict properties into use along with the buy and renew scheme. 

Take back dilapidated houses in East Wall. I have counted 47 boarded-up houses. They could go to social houses, genuine refugee families, teachers, nurses, hardworking women men and women.

Given the depth of our housing crisis, the number of vacant and derelict properties is a scandal. 

I stand for:

• A comprehensive audit of all the vacant or derelict properties and sites in the city. The Council should maintain an up to date register of all such properties.
• A council tax on empty or derelict properties and sites.
• Compulsory purchase of long term vacant properties and sites for use as affordable and social housing
• Identify appropriate vacant properties that could be used to provide public arts and cultural infrastructure that supports vibrant communities.

We need to invest in our Gardaí. We need more Gardaí on our streets protecting communities and we need to immediately solve the current recruitment and retention crisis within the Gardaí. We are seeing huge numbers resigning, or taking early retirement, as it is an extremely tough job with long hours, an often hostile working environment, along with huge amounts of paperwork and court appearances. Gardaí are becoming burned out.

Prioritising public safety is paramount. As opposed to making the city ‘feel’ safe, I will commit to making it a reality that the city is safe. This will involve a multifaceted approach, with collaboration from the local authority, An Garda Síochána, community organisations, and residents. This needs buy in from right across society and I will work hard to be the link that makes it a reality. Greater visibility of Gardaí in high-traffic areas and crime hotspots can deter criminal activity and provide reassurance to residents and visitors.

I will look to implement community policing programmes that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, ensuring collaboration and information-sharing to prevent crime.

Adequate street lighting is also key to ensuring public safety at night time. I will work to improve street lighting in dimly lit areas and alleyways to make pedestrians feel safer and reduce opportunities for criminal behaviour. Similarly, the correct rollout of CCTV in strategic locations can act as a deterrent to crime and aid in the investigation and prosecution of offenders. This will all need to be backed up by initiatives aimed at addressing specific types of crime prevalent in the city such as theft, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour.

I have rarely felt unsafe in Dublin until more recently, and I know from speaking with residents during my campaign that I am not alone in this, particularly amongst other women, people with young families as well as older residents. Like many of our problems there is no ‘quick fix’ to this - we need to take a multi-strand approach. A more visible garda presence may help us to feel safer in the short term, but it does not solve the underlying issues that cause antisocial behaviour that can make the city a less inviting place.

Drug-related harm in the north inner city has increased massively, and I know from my work in public health that our services are struggling to keep up. I have seen a huge spike in open drug dealing and drug use in the streets around my house, and from what I hear from residents all over the inner city, around their homes too. Often these streets are very quiet and not well-lit at night, which adds to the intimidation factor and a feeling of unease.

Outreach and youth services are key to enhancing the feeling of living in an actual community for many of us. The city can be an isolating place and can feel hostile for young people who have nowhere to go and it is something I have felt as a young person living in the North Inner City. I believe that supporting young people through investment in local sports grounds, education and cultural groups, and youth clubs is vital to show them they have a place in our communities and to foster an increased sense of belonging and community inclusion.

Ensuring the safety and security of all residents is a top priority for me. To create a safer city, I will focus on the following initiatives:

• Strengthen community policing efforts by increasing collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities. This includes expanding community outreach programs to foster trust and communication between residents and the Gardai. 
• Improve street lighting and infrastructure to enhance visibility and deter criminal activity. By investing in well-lit public spaces, we can create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during the evening hours.
• Promote community-led initiatives for crime prevention and intervention, such as restorative justice programs and youth outreach initiatives. By empowering residents to take an active role in addressing safety concerns, we can build stronger, more resilient communities. I will work with groups like Restorative Justice Services, and invite them to run restorative justice workshops for youth groups and community groups across the inner city. 
• Advocate for investment in social services and support networks that address the root causes of crime and violence. This includes funding for mental health services, addiction treatment programs, and affordable housing initiatives that provide stability and support to vulnerable individuals and families. I have seen people who have suffered harm or had their recovery impacted by lengthy waits for a mental health or addiction treatment bed.

 

Safety in the city has never been more at the forefront of everybody’s thinking. Prioritising public safety is paramount. Making the city ‘feel’ safe is not enough, I will commit to making it a reality that the city is safe. This will involve the local authority, An Garda Síochána, community organisation, and residents all working together.

The Gardaí are doing a great job protecting everyone and deserve our continued and increased support Greater Gardaí visibility in high-traffic areas and crime hotspots can deter criminal activity and provide reassurance to residents and visitors. I will look to implement community policing programmes that can create positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, ensuring collaboration and information- sharing to prevent crime.

Adequate street lighting is also key to ensuring public safety. I will work to improve street lighting so pedestrians are safer by reduce opportunities for criminal behaviour. Similarly, CCTV in strategic locations can act as a deterrent to crime and aid in the investigation and prosecution of offenders. This will all need to be backed up by initiatives aimed at addressing specific types of crime prevalent in the city such as theft, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour.

The obvious answer to this is more Gardaí on the streets. We have been crying out for this for the last five years and yet we are not getting anywhere on this question. This is purely a matter for central government and we can only continue to lobby on behalf of the people of the city.

Community Gardai on the beat, either on foot or on bikes criss-crossing their districts. I have worked with the Minister for Justice, Taoiseach Harris and colleagues in Government to demand and secure additional Garda resources in Fitzgibbon Street, the Bridewell and Store Street. Since December 2023, 216 new Garda officers have been assigned to Dublin stations. I have worked with local senior Garda management to impress upon them the importance of maximising the increased resources allocated to them. Improved community policing does three things:

• Act as a deterrent for all anti-social and criminal behaviour,
• Improve local Garda visibility,
• Ensure those who attempt and engage in anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour are identified and apprehended swiftly.

I believe a safe city is one where everyone feels safe walking, cycling, relaxing, socialising, exercising and enjoying themselves regardless of their age, gender, gender performance, class, ethnicity, whether they are with children or any other attribute at any time of day or night. There isn’t one single solution to get there. We need to look at how we plan and lay out our city, making sure there are “eyes on the street”, with appropriate lighting and animation of the streets. There is also a vital role for the Gardaí to play in tackling criminal behaviour and working with the Council and businesses to support communities dealing with criminality. We also need to support our youth services, arts and sports clubs to nurture the energies and talents of young people and prevent them being drawn into criminal activities. We need to work with minority communities and encourage good relationships with the Gardaí and support people to report incidents that they face.

People don’t feel safe in parts of our capital city, I don’t like to admit that but it’s the truth. I have noticed over the years that more and more people are openly telling me this. Sinn Féin have outlined our proposals to invest in the Gardaí, so we can have more Gardaí on our streets protecting communities. One way this can be achieved is by introducing a transport policing unit to ensure people can feel safe while using public transport.  We know that the recruitment and retention crisis in the Gardaí needs to be addressed. I will continue to work with my colleagues to address this. 

More Guards on the street.

There has been a push recently for a more intense policing response in Dublin to make the city safer. I do not believe this will work. In recent years we have seen Gardaí used, not to make the streets safer, but to break the Debenhams workers’ picket, to crack down on Palestine solidarity protests and to facilitate evictions.

Instead, we need a community and infrastructure response that includes:

• Active outreach programmes for young people in disadvantaged areas
• Action on poverty, including free school meals and school supports
• Decriminalisation of drugs - the money used to police drug users should be used to fund addiction treatment that takes a ‘housing first’ approach
• Increased investment in sports, leisure and cultural facilities
• More street lighting and lighting in parks

Unsurprisingly to many in 2023 Dublin ranked worst, in public transport, of 30 European cities. It’s time for that to change. Safe and accessible transport is at the heart of ensuring people can live, work and play safely. Nobody would ever be forced to give up their car, but many people would do so gladly, or dramatically reduce their car use, if adequate and reliable bus, train and tram services exist.

The LUAS extensions and Dublin MetroLink are absolutely vital in this. The introduction of a public transport policing unit to ensure people can feel safe while using public transport is also something I would advocate for.

Improving public transport in Dublin City and across its suburbs requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of the transportation system. We need to see an expansion of services that increase the frequency and coverage of public transportation routes to serve more areas within the city and its outskirts. This includes expanding bus, tram (Luas), and commuter rail (DART) services to connect underserved neighbourhoods and suburbs. There also needs to be greater connectivity between train, tram and bus lines and night time and early morning services need to be expanded as well as services to and from the airport.

Enhancing the availability of real-time information on schedules, routes, and service disruptions through mobile apps, digital displays at stops, and online platforms to improve passenger convenience and reliability is also key. I will work with transport providers to ensure that this becomes a reality.

The cost of public transport although recently reduced needs to be reduced further to encourage people to use it. In Luxembourg for example all public transport is free including to and from the airport. I would pose the question of examining could such a system be introduced here and/ or the free travel pass expanded.

In relation to the purchase of tickets, I believe we should be able to tap bank cards while entering public transport and tap off when leaving as often people do not have change for a bus or no time to get a ticket while for example a DART or LUAS are present. Such systems are available in Spain and other European countries.

I am also passionate about the need to ensure that we have the correct services in place for people with disabilities. They need to be offered the same level of service as any other public transport user. I will engage with all transport operators to ensure that public transport infrastructure, vehicles, and services are accessible to people with disabilities and reduced mobility, including the provision of wheelchair ramps, priority seating, audible announcements, and tactile paving at stations and stops.

By implementing these measures, and many others, in a coordinated manner, Dublin can create a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transport system that meets the diverse needs of its residents and contributes to the city's overall liveability and economic prosperity.

As someone who doesn’t drive, public transport in the city is all I have ever known, and I have my own gripes with it. Ghost buses, regular disruptions to the luas lines, overcrowding and limited services have become part and parcel of our public transport networks in the city. Anyone who has used public transport in other European cities knows just how much our services are missing the mark. Expanding and improving our public transport services are essential for reducing congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing mobility for residents in Dublin's North Inner City. To achieve these goals, I will champion the following initiatives:

• Prioritise sustainable transport solutions, such as electric buses and bicycles, to reduce emissions and mitigate transportation's environmental impact.
• Enhance accessibility and affordability of public transport services for all residents, particularly those living in underserved areas or facing financial or disability-related barriers. This includes exploring fare reduction programs for low-income individuals, conducting inner city too. 
• Ensure the implementation of the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan.

Improving public transport in the City requires an approach that addresses various aspects of the transportation system. We need to see an expansion of services that increase the frequency and coverage of public transportation routes to serve more areas within the city and its outskirts. This includes expanding the bus, Luas, and DART services to connect underserved neighbourhoods and suburbs. Enhancing the availability of real-time information on schedules, routes, and service disruptions through mobile apps, digital displays at stops, and online platforms to improve passenger convenience. I will work with transport providers to ensure that this becomes a reality.

I am also passionate about the need to ensure that we have the correct services in place for people with disabilities. They need to be offered the same level of service as other public transport users. I will engage with all transport operators to ensure that public transport infrastructure, vehicles, and services are accessible to people with disabilities and reduced mobility, including the provision of wheelchair ramps, priority seating, audible announcements, and tactile paving at stations and stops. By implementing these measures, and many others, in a coordinated manner, we can create a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transport system that meets the diverse needs of its residents and contributes to the city’s overall liveability and economic prosperity.

Dublin City Council has a very comprehensive transport plan. However, this plan can only work if the NTA (National Transport Authority) consults and does not direct what is to happen. (who runs the city - DCC or the NTA?) If we can give people the public transport they need and want we will all benefit as will our environment. The impact on the climate change crisis has to be central to all transport plans.

Deliver the key infrastructure projects the city needs. Metro. BusConnects. The Various Dart + schemes and ensure that key objectives in the Dublin City Development Plan regarding the provision of new stations in the North Inner City and across the wider city are delivered over the next five years. We also need to ensure, as a City Council, the time lag between planning approvals for projects and construction is greatly reduced. Furthermore, we need experienced Councillors who understand what they are voting on and that their proposals have consequences. Just look at the North Strand, where bus stops were removed along the North Strand Road as a result of planning amendments put forward and supported by the Social Democrats, Labour, the Greens and Sinn Fein.

There are big plans on the way for Dublin’s public transport network and it is important that Councillors work productively with the NTA and other bodies who are leading on the delivery to ensure the projects are of maximum benefit to the community. These include BusConnects, Metro, Luas extension and Dart West. I largely support BusConnects and want to see it delivered quickly so that we can benefit from more frequent, reliable services and improvements to the cycling infrastructure. I have worked closely with communities to highlight local concerns and push for improvements in safety for people walking and cycling, greening for the area and traffic calming.

I support the City Centre Transport Plan which the Council is delivering to radically reduce the amount of traffic passing through the city, without a destination in the city centre, which will support buses to flow better. I want to see ongoing monitoring and audits done of this and some of the other larger projects e.g. Clontarf to City Centre scheme to make sure the interventions are working to improve safety and make changes where necessary if not.

I have championed red light cameras and camera enforcement for traffic offences to free up our bus lanes and help transport to flow smoother.

I have called for 24 hour bus lanes, which would mean buses would still be able to move on match days around Croke Park and other venues and it would make public transport a viable way for many more people to access the matches/events.

I have also worked to improve the winter maintenance plans for the city so that we can prioritise the movement of public transport during extreme weather events rather than focusing on the movement of private cars.

At a national level, I have worked with Green Party colleagues to push for the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects, while lowering public transport fares and improved accessibility of our buses, trains etc to make them easier to older people, people with disabilities, those travelling with children in buggies etc.

Road safety and accessible transport are at the heart of ensuring people can live, work and play safely in their communities. 2023 saw the highest number of deaths on our roads in almost a decade. Dublin ranked worst, in public transport, of 30 European Cities in 2023. It’s time for change.

We recognise that many children cannot safely access school without relying on a lift from parents. This can be a barrier to parents but it also reduces young people’s independence. In government we would increase funding to make getting to school safe.

Take funding away from NGOs and use it to build public transport.

Dublin requires a free, frequent and accessible public transport network. Around 100 cities around the world now have free public transport - in one of the richest countries in the world, it should be possible here too.

Bus networks must also be expanded. The Bus Connects plan has improved frequency on the busier routes, but it has come at the expense of the loss of some routes that serve local housing estates. This impacts negatively on elderly people and people with mobility issues. I will campaign for more buses so that higher frequency on busier routes can be achieved without the loss of routes elsewhere.

Our weather doesn’t exactly help us here and unfortunately, I can not change that, but I do like the saying ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes’. Similar to people getting out of their cars if there is good public transport, many others will gladly walk or cycle a lot more if we have safe footpaths and bicycle lanes.

I would support auditing all footpaths/cycle lanes and putting in place a programme of footpath/cycle lane restoration so everyone can walk and move around their local area confidently. These improvements may also take the burden away from some parents who do not feel safe letting their children walk/cycle/use public transport to get to school alone. This can be a barrier to parents, but it also reduces young people’s independence.

Dedicated protected bike lanes in suitable areas need to be explored. But it is absolutely paramount that these lanes are well-maintained and clearly marked to enhance visibility and safety. Too often we see cycle lanes that suddenly stop, that are not safely separated from other road users, that are covered in mud, rubbish and have uneven surfaces meaning that cyclists are forced to travel in car lanes. This needs to be urgently fixed for the safety of all road users. Similarly, we need to see the implementation of more traffic calming measures, such as raised crosswalks and speed bumps to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections and along residential streets.

Once cyclists have made their journey, they need to be provided with secure bike parking facilities – something which we have a dearth of. We need to provide secure bike parking facilities, such as bike racks, lockers, and bike-sharing stations, at strategic locations throughout the city to encourage cycling as a convenient and sustainable mode of transportation. These facilities should be well-lit and monitored to deter theft and vandalism.

Everyone wants to live in a pleasant space that is easy to traverse. As such, we need upgraded footpaths with wider pathways, tactile paving for visually impaired individuals, and ample lighting to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, particularly in high-traffic areas and near public transport hubs.

More greenery, trees, and public seating along footpaths and bike lanes to create a more attractive and inviting environment for pedestrians and cyclists would also be a welcome step. Beautification efforts can also include public art installations and decorative lighting to enhance the streetscape.

For visitors to the city, we need to see the installation of clear and consistent wayfinding signage for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate the city easily and safely. This includes directional signs, distance markers, and maps at key locations to help users plan their routes effectively.

Lastly, local residents, businesses, and advocacy groups must be involved in the planning and design of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed. Community feedback can help identify priority areas for improvement and inform decision-making processes. By implementing these measures in a coordinated manner, Dublin can create a greater pedestrian and cyclist friendly city that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and sustainability for all road users.

As I said, I don’t drive, yet I don’t cycle as much as I would like to because I’m quite nervous cycling on busy roads. I think this is a really important issue. Increased pedestrianisation is a really welcome thing here in the north inner city, where the streets are narrow and air quality is a concern. I think this needs to be in tandem with sufficient information campaigns to protect pedestrians and disabled residents. Improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is essential for promoting active mobility and creating safer, more vibrant streets in Dublin's North Inner City. To achieve this, I will focus on the following strategies:

• Invest in the development of dedicated cycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly pathways to enhance safety and comfort for cyclists and pedestrians. By separating active modes of transportation from vehicular traffic, we can reduce the risk of collisions and improve the overall pedestrian and cycling experience.
• Encourage traffic calming measures and pedestrian-friendly urban design features, such as raised crosswalks, traffic islands, and street furniture. These interventions create safer, more inviting environments for pedestrians and cyclists, encourage active travel, and reduce reliance on cars. values are a cornerstone of my campaign, and I hope to bring them to Dublin City Council if elected in June. 
• Implement measures to address key safety concerns for pedestrians, particularly disabled pedestrians , wheelchair users, and cyclists. These measures include improving visibility at junctions and enhancing lighting along pathways. 
• Promote community engagement and participation in the planning and design process for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. By involving local residents in this decision-making, we can ensure that infrastructure improvements align with the needs of the community.
• Support initiatives to increase bicycle parking and storage facilities throughout the city, making it easier for residents to cycle for transportation and recreation. I live in a terraced house shared with three other people, our garden looks like a bike shed most of the time, and we are lucky to have a garden which can accommodate all our bikes! Other residents may not have this space so bike bunkers are vital to their capacity to cycle in the city. By providing secure and convenient parking options, we can encourage more people to choose cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.
• Collaborate with local businesses, community organisations and disability rights groups to identify pedestrian-friendly initiatives, such as street markets, outdoor seating areas, and cultural events that accommodate everyone, activate public spaces and enhance the pedestrian experience for everyone.

 

Dedicated protected bike lanes in suitable areas need to be explored. But that these lanes need to be well-maintained and clearly marked to enhance visibility and safety. Too often we see bike lanes that are covered in mud, rubbish and have uneven surfaces forcing cyclists to travel in car lanes. This needs to be urgently fixed for the safety of all road users.

Similarly, we need to see the implementation of more traffic calming measures, such as raised crosswalks, speed bumps, and narrower lanes, to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections and along residential streets. Once cyclists have made their journey, they need to be provided with secure bike parking facilities, this is something that is currently lacking. We need to provide secure bike parking facilities, at strategic locations throughout the city to encourage cycling as a convenient and sustainable mode of transportation. These facilities should be well-lit and monitored to deter theft and vandalism.

Everyone wants to live in a pleasant space that is easy to get around. To achieve this, we need upgraded footpaths with wider pathways, tactile paving for visually impaired individuals, and ample lighting to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, particularly in high-traffic areas and near public transport hubs. More greenery, trees, and public seating along footpaths and bike lanes to create a more attractive and inviting environment for pedestrians and cyclists would also be a welcome step. Beautification efforts can also include public art installations and decorative lighting to enhance the streetscape.

For visitors to the city, we need to see the installation of clear and consistent wayfinding signage for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate the city easily and safely. This includes directional signs, distance markers, and maps at key locations to help users plan their routes effectively.

Local residents, businesses, and advocacy groups must be involved in the planning and design of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed. Community feedback can help identify priority areas for improvement and inform decision-making processes. By implementing these measures in a coordinated manner, we can create a more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and sustainability for all road users. The recent pedestrainization of Caple Street show how the right decisions could bring a new lease of life back to other areas of the city

We have seen the continuing chaos that has been caused by the construction of the Clontarf to City Centre project. However, when finished, this will provide a safer way for people to get around the city on bike. However, we have to remember that for some people use of public transport/walking/cycling is not an option and we cannot abandon these citizens either.

Delivering dedicated local roads and footpath improvements to enhance road surfaces and rebuild damaged footpaths. Over the last five years, I have helped to secure approximately €11m to deliver better roads and safer footpaths in every neighbourhood with 29 streets in the North Inner City upgraded in the last five years. More than €3.12m will be spent this year to resurface roads around the Five Lamps, the Markets area, in Stoneybatter, Ballybough and the North Strand. Almost €1m will be spent this summer upgrading footpaths in the Clonliffe Road area, East Wall and on Rathdown Road. Improving road surfaces will aid road safety and comfort for cyclists in addition to the protected cycle lanes being delivered at present.

We have taken huge strides in walking and cycling in the city over the past five years but we need to keep that going so that walking and cycling to school is a realistic choice for children and cycling around their community is comfortable for older people. We know this is possible. We see it in other cities around Europe but we need to have vision, ambition and commitment in Dublin to make it happen.

The “Active Travel Network” for Dublin will deliver over 300km of cycle lanes and I will work for these to be as high quality and comfortable as possible for all ages and abilities to use. I convened and chaired a working group in the Council to bring zebra crossings back into the city policy handbook and will be working to see these rolled out far and wide (currently we have just 4 in the whole of DCC!). I have pushed hard for upgraded and well maintained footpaths - which receive far too little attention in Dublin - and will continue to do so. I’ve also pushed for lighting that is “human scale” directed at footpaths instead of towards carriageways, often leaving our paths in near darkness.

I have supported “bike parks”, converting a small area in a car park for free, secure bike parking. And I want to roll out more of these, particularly near transport hubs. I have also supported the “Bike Bunkers” and look forward to supporting residents in getting them installed on their streets over the next few years.

I want to see a comprehensive shared mobility strategy for Dublin - Dublin Bikes, Moby and Bleeper are an important part of mobility in the city but we need more bikes and more options - for ebikes, cargo bikes, trikes and others to cater to a variety of mobility needs, as well as the growth of car clubs. Finally we have worked to deliver lower speed limits for the city, tiered parking charges, and better parking enforcement to clamp down on dangerous behaviours and support people to walk and cycle safely. However, these are still works in progress so I want to continue this in the next term!

Ensuring more active travel, such as cycling and walking, will be a key way to tackle the climate crisis. In order to ensure this is realistic, people must feel confident that they can do so safely.

We support auditing all footpaths and putting in place a programme of footpath restoration so everyone can walk and move around their local area confidently.

New cycle lanes are being built and you can rent a bike.

Much of the city is overwhelmed by vehicular traffic but critical for its reduction is the existence of a free public transport network as an alternative.

We also need safer cycle lanes, segregated from traffic where possible. One particular route along the quays requires cyclists to switch from one side of the road to the other and cross in front of traffic at Inns Quay to continue on the cycle lane. It’s just one example of what is quite a dangerous city for cyclists.

As an inner city youth during the 1980’s and 90’s, and young adult in the 2000’s I was often discriminated against due to stereotyping and prejudice. I loathe any form of discrimination whether it be based on race, gender, social class, sexuality, or anything else. I believe fundamentally in equality and fairness within all of society and will always use my voice to promote those values.

Being from East Wall I was involved in huge amounts of community discussions and solidarity actions relating to the Direct Provision Centre which opened here in 2022. I actively spoke out against protests taking place outside the centre where vulnerable people were living, and against some of the disgusting language and baseless accusations we heard and observed.

I respect people’s right to protest however, there are wrong ways to protest and I will call these out when I see them. All sections of our communities must be able to feel safe and included. Arson attacks on accommodation for asylum seekers have no place in our society and I condemn these attacks. 

Addressing the rise of far-right extremism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and hate crimes targeting marginalised communities in Dublin City requires a concerted effort from us all. Education and awareness, community engagement, adequate law enforcement responses, support services, and the creation of safe spaces and support networks all must form part of this response and I will do all that I can to ensure that these actions are implemented.

I have experienced far-right intimidation personally and know the deep impact this can have on individuals and communities. I am resolute about standing up to and combating their hate, to ensure that we can all live in a safe, inclusive and welcoming Dublin.

My background, first going to an Educate Together school and then subsequently working with LGBTQ+ and Women's Rights groups as an adult, instilled and deepened my belief in the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and equity. These are values which I have centred my campaign on and if elected in June, will bring to Dublin City Council as a progressive councillor seeking to represent everyone who calls the North Inner City home.

The kind of hate and division we’ve seen on our streets diverts efforts and attention away from improving our city and our society. The issues and talking points of housing, amenities and resources that right-wing activists say are the result of migrants coming to Ireland are actually caused by over a decade of a neo-liberal government that has defunded our public services and our welfare state. I believe we must do the following:

• Promote inclusivity and diversity through community engagement and education initiatives. By fostering dialogue and understanding among residents from diverse backgrounds, we can build stronger, more cohesive communities that reject intolerance and discrimination. To ensure we reach as many people as possible through these initiatives, I would reach out to groups such as the NIC Side by Side, East Wall for All, and D7 for All. 
• Advocate for policies and legislation that combat hate speech and hate crimes, including robust anti-discrimination laws and hate crime legislation that holds those who incite hatred responsible. This also includes preventing the amplification of dangerous and hateful content online. 
• Support initiatives that promote social inclusion and integration, particularly for marginalised communities such as immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes funding for community-based organisations and support services that provide assistance and resources to those facing discrimination or hate-motivated violence.
• Collaborate with local schools, youth organisations, and community groups to promote tolerance, respect, and empathy among young people. By instilling values of inclusivity and acceptance from an early age, we can prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and promote a culture of mutual respect and understanding.
• Engage with civil society groups and human rights organisations to monitor and respond to incidents of hate speech and hate crimes, such as the Hope and Courage Collective. By working together to raise awareness and challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviours, we can create a safer and more inclusive city for all residents.

Addressing the rise of far-right extremism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and hate crimes targeting marginalised communities in Dublin City requires a concerted effort from us all. Education and awareness, community engagement, adequate law enforcement response, support services, and the creation of safe spaces and support networks all must form part of this response and I will do all that I can to ensure that these actions are implemented.

It is quite obvious that lack of public consultation/information has led to fear among people about asylum seekers in particular As public representatives we need to ensure that our constituents are fully informed – even if central government seem to ignore this basic requirement and have managed to stoke up fear which can, if not addressed, can turn to anger and intolerance.

Trying to foist a Hate Crime law onto citizens will not work in my opinion. It’s about education, information and consultation.

I have served as the representative of the communities of the North Inner City for the last fifteen years and in that time, I have abided by three simple objectives. To listen. To engage and to communicate. To do this job effectively, requires each of these three objectives. I listen by constantly knocking on doors and hearing what people have to say to me on issues that matter to them. I engage with resident groups, community associations, sectoral interests and pressure groups and directly with those who have very different views to me. Then, I communicate, either through my regular local newsletters, ezine updates or in face-to-face meetings. These three objectives which I abide by have helped me in challenging the increasingly vocal extremist views we hear. I also am not afraid to tackle the deliberate misinformation by some on various social media channels. Others may have a different approach but for me, tackling extremist views, hateful commentary and responding to these issues, involves listening, engaging and communicating, just I have done over the last five years working on behalf of the communities of the North Inner City.

I am very proud to represent one of the most diverse constituencies in the country, with almost 50% residents born outside of Ireland. Our communities are stronger for our diversity and the vast majority of people in the North Inner City stands in solidarity with each other across our differences and against those who would divide us, drive hatred or scapegoat vulnerable people.

There are, however, deep challenges that our communities face to make sure we can thrive together and I want to take on the hard work needed to make that happen. We need to support integration work across every sector: community, sports, employment and housing. I’ve fought for the recruitment of additional integration workers for the Council and look forward to working with them and for more funding for integration projects. I have engaged with and supported several “For All” groups in the area and want to see this work expanded. We also need to address the structural inequalities of our communities, which are an injustice in themselves, but also a breeding ground for discontent. This means improving housing, supporting young people, access to justice for individuals and communities, enhanced school supports, and wraparound supports for everyone impacted by homelessness. And we need to tackle racism and hatred being spread in online spaces - while this might be somewhat beyond what Councillors have direct remit over, we need to work with national representatives and the Gardaí to properly tackle it.

Peace, non-violence and cooperation are at the core of the Green Party values and these should be brought to bear at the local level too. I have met thousands of residents of the North Inner City over the past few years and know so many of them to be wonderful people committed to bettering their society and communities - if we all work together, I know that we can achieve incredible things for our city.

I will continue to be a loud voice for a fair, equal and diverse society. We all need to be allies in stamping out hate of any sort. All sections of our communities must be able to feel safe and included.  Burning buildings down to the ground that have being identified for accommodation for asylum seekers have no place in our society and I condemn these attacks. 

I am against the far right. I am pro-immigration. Look at our nurses and people who man the till in Spar, Centra. I have employed non-nationals and people who are gay and lesbian and never had a complaint from them. Arsons: I do not support this.

I believe there are a few key things we must do to tackle the far right. Firstly, we need to take on a government that has created the space for the far right to grow. Their housing policies have put thousands on the streets - Irish homeless and asylum seekers alike. Recently, they have been giving more and more ground to the far right, sweeping asylum seekers off the streets and destroying their tents and possessions.

Secondly, we need to build a coalition that includes workers, migrants, ethnic minorities, LGBT+ people and local communities to confront the far right. The far right uses street mobilisations to grow in confidence and draw more people into their orbit. This helps them to harden up the fascists at the core of their movement and makes things increasingly dangerous for migrants and other minorities. They must therefore be opposed on the streets. I have written in more detail about this here.

It’s worth noting that far-right led protests at family homes of government politicians have triggered a debate on banning such events. If the aim is to protect family/private residences and children, this should be for everyone, not just politicians. All Direct Provision centres and IPAS accommodation venues are also places of residence and children also live in these places.

We also need to oppose the Government’s racist policies. The far right have been opposing the EU Migration Pact on racist grounds, but the pact itself constitutes a disgraceful attack on the rights of asylum seekers. Equally shameful is the Government’s Direct Provision system that denies asylum seekers basic human rights.

I have been involved in anti-racist campaigning now for almost 10 years. I am a member of United Against Racism, helped organise last year’s Ireland For All march and helped set up Dublin 7 For All. At the same time, I have been campaigning on housing with Raise the Roof, CATU and Take Back the City. It’s worth saying that when it comes to housing, none of the far right agitators running for election now have been anywhere to be seen - they only care about housing insofar as it helps them to stir up hatred and division.