I intend to promote the development of all forms of durable housing schemes such as modular homes, derelict home recovery, adaptation of disused industrial units to residential units. I would like to see injection of new expert workforce to drive the rapid completion of housing developments whilst insisting on quality and highest standards.

Fingal County Council needs to earmark more lands as RS (Residential) and to kickstart the process of developing these lands for the purpose of providing more homes, especially social and affordable homes.

The provision of housing for purchase & rent needs to be taken out of the hands of commercial entities where profit is the main driver. Instead a state construction utility should be established to build tens of thousands of social & genuinely affordable homes across Fingal (and the other counties) on publicly owned land where possible and CPO additional sites where necessary. In parallel there are around 166,000 empty properties lying idle around the country as the housing crisis rages which is completely unacceptable.

We wouldn’t allow speculators to hoard food while people starved. These empty homes need to be taken into the ownership of the councils using all available means and used to accommodate families on the housing lists as well as the people seeking asylum in Ireland. We have the resources to provide everyone with a secure and affordable home and it’s an ideological choice to impose housing misery on the many to enrich a small few.

Fingal has one of the youngest and fastest growing populations in the country. With that in mind more housing is needed. But not just any housing, Affordable. I hope to advocate for the creation of more affordable housing schemes in Fingal, opening the opportunity for more people to buy a home they think is currently out of reach.

I will advocate for Fingal to review more sites they currently own, and other potential sites on the market which they can develop with construction firms to create this availability and affordability for people.

We know from the 2022 Census results that Fingal is one of the fastest growing counties in Ireland, with a population that now stands at 330,506 people. It has never been more important to ensure that everyone who chooses to live in Fingal County, have the opportunity to do so. The Social Democrats have a huge number of solutions to the housing crisis. My initial focus if elected will be on eradicating vacancy and dereliction and increasing affordable housing and that it be available to all members of our community.

Eradicate Vacancy and Dereliction:

• Advocate for greater resources for Fingal Co. Council to be able to action the current Vacant Homes Action Plan* 2022-2026.
• Request to revisit this plan to consider increasing targets, given that new funding streams have now since come on stream.
• Keep on top of the Local Authority to ensure that vacant social housing turnaround times are improved.

* https://www.fingal.ie/sites/default/files/2022-12/Vacant%20Homes%20Plan%202022-2026.pdf

Increase Housing Supply:

• Seek regular updates the Local Authority to ensure that over the lifetime of the Fingal Development plan* (2023-2029), they are providing for affordable, mixed tenure housing suitable for the average family sized household and that also caters for the needs of people including older people, large families, disabled people, the Traveller community, individuals and smaller families.
• According to the Fingal County Council Housing Delivery Action Plan*: "As of April 2022, there were 15,613 units with planning permission on 123 sites in Fingal County Council. A total of 68 of these sites are active with a total of 2,900 units under construction." This is not good enough. The Local Authority needs to do everything within its power to ensure that permissions transition to housing much more quickly.
• Ensure that the Local Authority plans for and builds social and affordable housing on public land.

* https://www.fingal.ie/sites/default/files/2023-10/Fingal%20Development%20Plan%2030.08.23_V4_WEB.pdf 

* https://www.fingal.ie/sites/default/files/2022-07/Fingal%20County%20Council%20Housing%20Delivery%20Action%20Plan.pdf

There needs to be an absolute change in approach. I find it ironic that candidates connected to Government parties or our 3 TDs are suddenly going to 'fix' this after all these years and in some cases causing the problem.

The Council needs a pro people approach not a pro developer approach. We are building lots of units,they just arent accesible through access/cost to those who need them most.

Example: Beside Charlestown SC there are 590 units currently under construction. They will not be available to buy/rent for ordinary people. Currently a 1 bed apartment there costs 2k a month. This is shocking.

If elected I will undertake to survey sites that can be built on and ones sitting on planning permission. The Council itself must retake ownership of this issue.

• Promote Affordable Housing Policies: I would advocate for policies that support the development of affordable housing. This includes implementing zoning changes to allow for higher-density housing, offering tax incentives to developers who commit to building affordable units, and securing public funding for affordable housing projects. These measures would help ensure that more affordable homes are available for our residents.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): I believe in the power of collaboration between the government and the private sector. By encouraging Public-Private Partnerships, we can leverage the efficiency and innovation of private enterprises while maintaining public oversight to ensure affordability. This approach can significantly boost the financing, construction, and operation of new housing projects.
• Utilise Vacant Properties: It's crucial to make the most of our existing resources. Identifying and repurposing vacant or underutilised properties in Fingal can be a game-changer. Transforming these spaces into housing units would not only increase the housing supply but also breathe new life into our communities, making them more vibrant and sustainable.

As a priority, I have always argued about the need to have mini play facilities built in estates to reduce the need for young people seeking to access play facilities in other estates and thereby triggering avoidable conflicts.

At the planning stages of Churchfields housing estate, I strongly argued the need to have a community centre and other amenities such as shops, coffee docks, all weather pitches, cycle lanes and play facilities built to accommodate the new population. I am also keen about the need to conduct strategic reviews of older housing estates with a view to developing them into LAPs (Local Area Plans). This would mean interrogating the adequacy or otherwise of current housing units in the LEA and ensuring that they are future-proofed and fit for purpose.

I have also been very vocal about the implementation of a Hollystown/Kilmartin LAP which would future proof the area by ensuring that in view of upcoming residential units, the area is equipped with new primary and secondary schools, more frequent and reliable bus services, medical centre, cycle lanes, etc to cater for the anticipated population growth.    

Again we should use a public construction utility to build the schools, community centres, sports facilities, shops etc that our communities need. Commercial entities have failed badly in this regard as we see with the current National Children’s hospital debacle and the dozens of newly built schools which had extremely dangerous defects requiring major remediation over the last decade.

We can do much better than this. For example each new community should have its own primary care medical centre staffed with HSE employed GPs and other medical workers to meet the needs of the local population.

The rush to get sufficient housing supply onto the market has resulted in housing being built in areas which cannot fully support a growing population. We are seeing areas with no community centres, child care facilities, green spaces and schools.

We must retain sufficient amount of green space for families and children, along with the assurance that sufficient child care facilities and community centres are built within a proximity of an area. Advocating for this within any building schemes that Fingal are a part of will be a priority of mine

It is vital for any community to ensure that we have the amenities and services needed to encourage social inclusion, resilience, foster good physical and mental health for all members of that community. Fingal County Council have a number of plans aimed at doing just that, but I believe there is a lack of joined up thinking on these. I want to try and ensure that such plans are not just box ticking exercises and are doing what they should be.

Local Councillors play no role in the planning system of the local authority, but it is imperative that decisions are based on the Fingal Development Plan which councillors play a key role in developing every six years.. Within this plan, the aims are clear, in that they must ensure that services and amenities are provided for new and existing communities and done so in a timely manner. I want to work with communities, clubs and groups on the ground, as well as Council committees including PPNs, to understand their needs and in turn communicate those needs to the Council. I will look to ensure that the Capital and Annual budget provides for such facilities and ensure that the Council engages with communities on this important issue.

As part of the Fingal PPN I put in a motion requiring future builds to consult communities and identify any service/facility deficits. This has been buried by Fingal CC. If elected I will put it in a formal motion as a Councillor and see it adopted.

I fought in my area to get a 9.5 milion Community Centre built.It shouldnt be that way. People pay taxes etc and builders pay levies. This should be reflected in services/facilities.

• Integrated Planning: It's crucial to plan for amenities and services simultaneously with housing development. By collaborating closely with various local government departments, such as education, health, and transportation, we can ensure that new communities are well-serviced from the outset. This holistic approach guarantees that essential services like schools, healthcare facilities, and public transport are incorporated into the planning process.
• Partnerships: Forming partnerships with private businesses and non-profit organisations is key to providing comprehensive amenities and services. This can include bringing in grocery stores, healthcare facilities, schools, and recreational centres. Leveraging the strengths and resources of these partners ensures that new housing areas are vibrant and fully equipped to meet residents' needs.
• Sustainability: It's important to consider the environmental impact of new developments and strive to create sustainable communities. This involves planning for green spaces, implementing energy-efficient building practices, and providing infrastructure for sustainable transportation options, such as cycling lanes and electric vehicle charging stations. By prioritising sustainability, we can ensure that new housing projects contribute positively to the environment and the well-being of residents

The number of flights approved for terminal two have already been exceeded by the DAA. This is impacting on the health and wellbeing of residents as the aircraft noise and pollution is an obvious hazard. I am of the firm opinion that Ireland needs to urgently reconsider the development of another international airport in the mould of Dublin but in another county such as Mayo to decongest the vehicular and aircraft traffic to Dublin Airport as a result of it being the one and only viable international gateway into and out of Ireland.

The DAA are currently in breach of their existing planning conditions and I’ve been working with residents groups on a long running campaign to hold them to account over the past number of years. Neither should the airport be expanding. In the context of the climate crisis, Dublin and all other airports in Europe and world wide should be reducing the numbers of flights. Workers' livelihoods also need to be protected.

So the state/EU needs to intervene to develop environmentally sustainable industries in energy provision, transport etc where airline and other workers can be employed in quality jobs instead.

I live under the flight path of the North runway and so do many of the local residents which I represent. I and many other are aware of the benefits Dublin Airport brings to our economy due to tourism. Many will say ’’If you live under a flight path then what do you expect’’ but there are proven studies out there which have shown how noise pollution can affect people’s lives.

Dublin airport is affecting people in areas which it never has before, causing people sleepless nights and anxiety. I even know residents who are taking sleeping pills at night to help aid sleep. I am against night flights past 11pm and believe there shouldn’t be any before 7am. We can increase tourism and flights in many other parts of our country through the use of other airports.

We know that nearby residents are experiencing quite severe noise pollution as a result of the existing flight schedules. It is difficult to understand too how any expansion would work given the current carbon budget in place. Furthermore, the public transport infrastructure is not yet in place to be able to accommodate passenger expansion. If expansion is required, perhaps it is time now to look at other parts of the country to do this in. 

DAA have treated local residents disgracefully. Noise levels are a massive issue and have not been addressed to the satisfaction of the residents. DAA pays monies to Fingal CC so this conflict of interest must be addressed by an independent body.

• Economic Impact: Dublin Airport is a vital economic engine, facilitating the movement of people and goods that underpin our economy. The proposed expansion has the potential to further boost Ireland’s economy by attracting more tourists and enhancing business travel. This would not only create jobs but also support local businesses and stimulate economic growth across the region.
• Sustainability: It’s essential that any expansion prioritises environmental sustainability. The commitment to ensuring that all new buildings meet or exceed Nearly Zero-Emission Building (NZEB) standards and equipping new aircraft stands with Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) instead of diesel generators is commendable. These measures demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to reducing the airport's carbon footprint and aligning with broader environmental goals.
• Community Impact: The expansion will inevitably impact the surrounding community, particularly in terms of noise and traffic. It’s crucial that these impacts are meticulously managed. I advocate for robust community consultation throughout the planning process to address concerns and incorporate feedback. Ensuring transparency and engagement with local residents will help mitigate negative effects and foster a sense of cooperation and mutual benefit.

There should be more investments made into public transport system in Fingal and in Dublin in general to deal with the perennial complaints about the inadequacy of public transport service. The NTA, the TFI, Dublin Bus and the Department of transport need to commission a study to review the current service provided and to compare same with Scandinavian countries who seem to have gotten their transport infrastructure right and in so doing have reduced the carbon footprint and green house emission.

As a matter of urgency, shuttle buses to the Dublin Airport needs to be introduced to ensure that residents all over Dublin can exercise the option of travelling to the airport by eco-friendly bus and not in a private car powered by fossil fuel.     

Public transport like healthcare, water, waste disposal etc. should be provided free of charge at the point of use as collective societal functions. Public transport systems also need to be massively expanded and improved to make them more attractive than car travel. So for example a couple of years back we developed the outline of a plan and ran a campaign proposing to extend the Luas line from Broombridge to Blanchardstown shopping centre which received a lot of local support.

Less talk and more action. A greater number of bus services and frequency is needed. The advocating of the metro and even the LUAS is needed immediately within many areas of Fingal, one of the fasting growing populace.

A huge amount needs to be done to improve public transport across the county. Metro-North is still a long way off. Congestion on our roads and the M50 is chronic and can only improve by providing more public transport and active travel solutions such as better cycling and walking infrastructure. While the NTA and Government hold the power to make the necessary changes on this issue, it is still the duty of Local Councillors to bring the concerns of those who live and work here to them and work towards establishing a system that works for everybody.

I've attended a lot of the TFI/Bus Connects/Metro meetings.  At best they are talking shops delivering little for commuters. The bus services where I live need to be added to, not taken away from.

To encourage people to use these services they must be improved, and not by adding letters to bus routes.

The Park and Ride facility which was supposed to go at Charlestown SC on land those behind Metro never owned underlined the fiasco that is. To address this again Fingal CC needs to retake power from the various transport agencies and develop a plan for local areas.

The Fingal Development Plan quoted by others does not address this.

• Improve Frequency and Reliability: We need to increase the frequency of public transport services, especially during peak hours, to reduce waiting times and make commuting more convenient. Additionally, ensuring that services run on time is crucial for increasing reliability and encouraging more people to opt for public transport over private cars.
• Upgrade Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure is key to making public transport more efficient and attractive. This includes developing dedicated bus lanes, cycle lanes, and pedestrian-friendly paths. Furthermore, building more park-and-ride facilities will encourage people to use public transport for the main part of their journey, reducing the number of cars on the road.
• Integrate Different Modes of Transport: We must make it seamless for passengers to switch between different modes of transport. This can be achieved by synchronising timetables, providing real-time information, and implementing pay-by-card systems. By making the transition between buses, trains, and other forms of transport smooth and efficient, we can create a more user-friendly public transport network.

We should be designing our communities and economy so that as many people as possible can walk or cycle (and/or take a quick trip on public transport) to school, college, work, shops, amenities etc.

People don’t like taking long commutes in their cars but often don’t have much choice. Local council initiatives like improving and expanding cycle lanes and the Safer Routes to School program are welcome and we also need to plan at a macro level to build sustainable communities and workplaces where daily mass commutes become unnecessary.

Linking more towns and communities to the city via cycle network and improving bus services so people don’t have to drive into the city centre. Expanding the success of bike rental and continuing the affordable travel rates on public transport are also key to this.

Road safety is vitally important, whether you drive, cycle, walk or use public transport. Until recently, cars were prioritised. Unfortunately, we are seeing a significant rise in the number of road deaths over the past few years. We have a lot of catching up to do to ensure that all road users feel safe to move around our county. Safer cycle lanes, accessible and even footpaths as well as ensuring vehicles cannot speed through estates, especially where children or less mobile people could be congregating or trying to cross the road is essential. Education is key and our Council should play its part in this, in providing bike training to students and providing public information on being mindful of all road users. 

The Traffic section of the Gardai is under resourced. Again this area needs investment. People who break the Law and risk the lives of others need to be dealt with fully under the Law.

• Education and Awareness: Regular road safety campaigns are essential to educate all road users about traffic rules, safe driving practices, and the importance of respecting others. This can include a range of initiatives such as workshops, driving courses, school programmes, and public service announcements. By raising awareness and promoting responsible behaviour, we can reduce the risk of accidents on our roads.
• Enforcement of Traffic Laws: Strict enforcement of traffic laws is crucial to deter dangerous behaviours like speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving. This requires regular patrols, the use of traffic cameras, and imposing severe penalties for violations. By holding accountable those who disregard road safety regulations, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
• Safe Design of Vehicles: Encouraging the use of vehicles equipped with safety features is essential. This includes anti-lock braking systems, airbags, and electronic stability control. Additionally, promoting the use of helmets for cyclists and motorcyclists can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. By prioritising vehicle safety, we can mitigate the severity of accidents and protect road users.

I am in favour of the Dutch Road Scheme being incorporated in some areas in my LEA such as Churchfields/Avondale/Wellview. Adequate signage and reduced speed limits are known to be effective. I would also like to see a situation where more speed ramps are introduced along local roads notorious for speeding incidents.  

Encouraging people out of their cars an onto public transport or to walk & cycle with the measures proposed above will naturally make our roads safer. The approach to speeding enforcement also needs to change from a quantitative to a qualitative one. So for example we often see speed camera vans located on relatively safe stretches of road but at spots where many motorists are caught exceeding the limit while more dangerous sections of roadway are unmonitored.

The most important metric is reducing the numbers of death & injuries on our roads and this is how enforcement effectiveness should be strictly measured.

Ensuring effective road signage and markings are in place, but also ensuring that sufficient upgrades have taken place to our pedestrian and cycle network across Fingal.

I want to ensure that new cycle lanes are safe and connected not just to the city centre but throughout our communities. We need to reduce car use and not only to get to work or to educational institutions. Cycling should be an option for people to get to their local shops, pitches and community centres safely too.

We need to expand bike rental services across the county, including e-bikes and cargo bikes, so that more people can choose to cycle.

Permeability is really important to encourage more people to walk and to get to their nearest public transport stop. Much more can be done on this.

We need to continue to support the building of existing Greenways and look at other routes throughout the county.

In my area there are footpaths barely suitable for walking. An investment plan to fix paths/roads is badly needed, not just delivering bike lanes in the suburban parts of Fingal.

• Expand and Improve Infrastructure: We need to develop more pedestrian paths and cycle lanes, particularly in areas that currently lack these facilities. It’s important that these paths are well-maintained, well-lit, and clearly marked to ensure they are safe and accessible for everyone.
• Safety Measures: Implementing various safety measures is crucial. This includes traffic calming measures, installing pedestrian crossings, and cyclist-friendly traffic signals. Additionally, providing secure bike parking facilities will help prevent theft and encourage more people to cycle.
• Integration with Public Transport: It should be easy for people to combine walking or cycling with public transport. This can be achieved by providing bike racks on buses and allowing bikes on trains during off-peak hours. Such measures will make it more convenient for people to use multiple modes of transport, thereby promoting a more integrated and sustainable transport system.

I am a fervent adherent of nature, trees, and biodiversity. I have raised several representations for more trees to be planted in my LEA and in Fingal. I have also participated in the planting of new trees around my LEA. I am in favour of a continuous audit of the state of trees, forests, as well as the general biodiversity stock in Fingal. Older and weak trees need to be replaced carefully and sensitively.

Fingal has an ambitious Biodiversity plan from 2023 to 30. But to really reverse the decline we need the EU to implement a macro plan for biodiversity, rewilding and agriculture. So for example small farming families and agricultural workers could be paid a genuine living wage by the state/E.U. in return for working the land in a managed and environmentally sustainable manner.

This would allow governments and the E.U. to plan and allocate large scale land usage to meet our needs in food, forestry, rewilding, recreation, habitat preservation etc. while providing vital jobs for rural communities. The same approach could be taken for our marine ecosystem and fishing communities.

On a positive note I have seen a small family of otters in the Tolka around Mulhuddart on a few occasions so we so have some great biodiversity locally to preserve and expand.

By advocating that a particular percentage of park lands within Fingal have to be reforested and wild meadows grown. I also believe that there should be sufficient green space in every housing development.

Again, this is where the County's Development Plan comes into play. Councillors get to decide how land is zoned across the county and this must include greater access to more green spaces. We need to be doing much more to protect our beaches and coast line. There is a huge amount the Council can do to promote greater biodiversity including planting more pollinator friendly bulbs and plants, more community gardens and allotments, protecting and encouraging more native species to grow, reduced grass cuttings and educating communities on the biodiversity crisis we are facing.

 Fingal is a beautiful place by and large in this area. This is down to frontline parks staff and the many voluntary groups who do fantastic work-though looking at the various photo op grabbing politicans at the Mayors Awards last night you'd think it was them. More funding for local groups would be great in this area.I will push for this if elected.

• Promote Native Planting: Encouraging the planting of native trees, shrubs, and flowers in both public and private spaces is crucial. Native plants not only provide food and habitat for local wildlife but are also better adapted to local weather and soil conditions. By promoting native planting initiatives, we can enhance biodiversity and create healthier ecosystems throughout Fingal.
• Create Wildlife Corridors: Establishing wildlife corridors is vital for enabling animals to move between different habitats, promoting genetic diversity and ensuring their long-term survival. This can be achieved by preserving strips of natural vegetation along rivers and streams or constructing "green bridges" over roads. By connecting fragmented habitats, we can support the movement of wildlife and promote ecological resilience.
• Monitor and Protect Existing Natural Areas: Regular monitoring of local ecosystems is essential for identifying threats and taking proactive measures to protect them. This may involve collaborating with local wildlife groups, engaging with the community, and hiring professional ecologists to assess and manage natural areas effectively. By safeguarding existing natural habitats, we can conserve biodiversity and preserve the unique natural heritage of Fingal for future generations.

 

Since my appointment as a councillor in October 2021, I have moved motions for more parks, playgrounds and sports facilities to be built in my LEA. I have also helped secure the installation of callisthenics machines in some estates to help residents increase their fitness and play quality.

I also supported the planned redevelopment of the Corduff Park which would see to the improvement of the current Astro pitches, retention of the grass pitches, and the development of integrated car park and beautification features for the park.

I am delighted to have supported the Council’s ongoing talks with a local club with a view to identifying a piece of land for club house. 

In 2022, I also moved a motion that culminated in the establishment of the annual Unison Festival in Blanchardstown and Balbriggan. This festival seeks to provide an opportunity for residents to come together to recreate in local facilities such as the Millennium Park and Russel Park with music, dance, food, and other diverse positive activities.

I would say that we’re pretty well served with the existing park areas at least in Dublin 15 but the maintenance and care of those parks is lacking. So for example local residents around the Tolka Valley park are forced to undertake major clean-ups on a weekly basis in order to maintain the park in a reasonable condition.

This work and the prevention of dumping etc. should be done by council workers and Fingal and the government should be making the resources available to the councils to do so. There is a tendency to push this work on volunteers which isn’t sustainable. Ours is a very rich country with huge accumulations of wealth at the top and these resources need to be deployed to create quality communities and an environment for us all to live.

Dublin like many capitals is becoming a concrete jungle. The more availability to parks and sporting facilities helps improve an area, but also people’s mental and physical health. Advocating and ensuring that a percentage of area is maintained as parkland in Fingal's development plan and development of sports facilities to cater for local areas through funding by Fingal and Government is key.

I would look for an audit of existing sports facilities, parks, art spaces, playgrounds and teenspaces and identify communities that need such facilities the most. I would work with clubs and groups to look for specific facilities through council budgets and available grant funding. These facilities are vital to the wellbeing of all residents in Fingal.

Again I campaigned for many years to get our Lanesborough Park upgrade and Community Centre built. It should not be that way. A needs analysis across Fingal needs to be comissioned working with real people,the community volunteers on the ground, to assist as opposed work against in this area. The Fingal youth are often left behind and if elected they would be my priority in future services/facilities.

• Partnerships: Forming partnerships with private businesses, non-profit organisations, and sports clubs is essential for financing, building, and operating parks and sports facilities. By leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector, we can enhance efficiency and innovation while ensuring public oversight and accessibility. Collaborative efforts will enable us to meet the diverse needs of our community and maximise the impact of our investments.
• Planning and Zoning: Advocating for planning and zoning policies that prioritise the development of parks and sports facilities is key. This could involve designating specific areas as parklands or providing incentives for developers to include sports facilities in their projects. By integrating these considerations into our planning processes, we can ensure that new developments contribute to the creation of vibrant, healthy communities with ample recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
• Promotion of Physical Activity: Promoting the benefits of physical activity is essential for increasing demand for parks and sports facilities. This could include organising sports tournaments, fitness classes, and other events that encourage people to engage in physical activity and utilise these amenities. By fostering a culture of active living, we can improve overall health outcomes and create a stronger sense of community within Fingal.