Having been a councillor for two terms already, I can see the results of policy decisions and consent processes I have been part of. All Housing proposals that have come before me on Fingal County Council, I have supported while at the same time making sure we are not just building housing, we are building communities and that is really important to make sure growing communities get the right levels of Physical & Social Infrastructure to underpin the new homes. I have also been a member of the Fingal County Council Special Policy Committee on Housing over my 10 years on the Council and this committee carry out significant preparatory and delivery work on all things Housing. 

I am also strongly supportive of the fingal development plan which was adopted last year after many marathon meetings. This sets the framework for development of housing across the county. This plan allows for the future population growth of fingal. One of the most important things I considered in the making of the development plan is ensuring we have enough land zoned in the right places and more importantly the right land in the right locations. For me, it was essential that land is zoned along the public transport corridors, the dart, the metrolink and the train line. Now that the plan is adopted, there is a degree of certainty that housing will be located in these key areas. 

Secondly, it is important for me to work with the Councils Executive in the implementation of the Governments Housing For All programme. This means working to ensure part 8 developments and our Capital programme of works will provide high quality housing for our residents. All my work is guided by various plans such as the Fingal Development Plan, Donabate Local Area Plan and the recently adopted Donabate Urban Framework plan. In my work I also see myself as a conduit between the executive and local stakeholders to ensure new developments respect the existing characteristics of a town or village, that new developments will greatly add to our area and take absolutely nothing away from the communities we are building. 

I would support for planning laws to ensure housing planning permissions are on a use or lose basis so that developers can't sit on land or use the planning permission to flip land on etc so that housing that is approved actually gets built. I would also support restrictions in Air BnB, short- term lets which would make a positive impact on the rental accommodation availability. I would ensure there is a comprehensive plan for the council to deal with vacancy and dereliction and push the council to hire sufficient staff in relevant departments to ensure this happen. 

As a sitting Councillor, it’s deeply concerning to hear stories from friends, neighbours and Fingal residents struggling to make ends meet for rent, let alone saving enough to afford their own homes. We have a locked-out generation, living with their parents or in insecure rentals, unable to become adults in their own right. Homeownership shouldn’t be a pipedream. It should be the standard.

Ultimately, this is a national issue, driven by the developer and profit-led policies of a Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil duopoly. However, in my capacity as a local Councillor, I'm taking every action I can to put pressure on this neglectful government. 

Notably, I introduced a council motion to ban the bulk buying of homes by vulture and cuckoo funds. Across the North County, we have seen the disastrous effects of this practice, where potential residents are locked out of homeownership by the purchasing power of international investment funds and forced to rent at exorbitant prices instead. Additionally, I secured funding for more planning enforcement inspectors to hold developers accountable.

Social and affordable housing must be built on state land. Successive governments have limited the power of councillors so this needs to be given back so that local communities can have a better say in where and how housing is built. We also need to remove the bureaucracy and the red tape that delays the construction of new homes. One area which cannot be removed is public consultation on planning permission. There is a way to build housing is quick and fair and given the current crisis it is a necessity. We also need to give power back to the councils which was removed in 2014. This will ensure that Local Government can respond to the need of housing on a localised level. 

As we know housing is one of the biggest issues nationally and Fingal is doing a lot of the heavy lifting increasing numbers. In my own hometown of Donabate, there is a major development of 1,300 units currently in development, with another in the pipeline for over 1,000 units.

I believe that engaging early with developers on their plans and encouraging good consultation with resident groups to address their concerns can reduce conflict and speed up delivery of housing. 

We also need to make better use of existing properties. The Croí Cónaithe grant scheme was brought in to help encourage the renovation of vacant and derelict properties and hopefully the new tax being introduced next year will add to that incentive.

We need more step-down accommodation for those in later life that would like to downsize while staying in their communities. We need a lot more affordable accommodation built in general. 

This provision of adequate social, recreational and community infrastructure alongside housing is a key issue for me and the communities I represent. For me, it is essential to work within the existing frameworks to make sure this happens. I work with local communities and local stakeholders to outline what’s needed and when it’s needed. I also work extensively with the parks and community sections of fingal county council to ensure the works they are proposing and carrying out take place in the right locations in a timely manner. Every Budget and Capital plan that has come before me as a local Councillor I have supported. 

Many areas are struggling with lack of school and crèche places, provision of indoor community facilities and basic services despite National policy stipulating infrastructure and services be provided in tandem with development. Infrastructure and services are not coming quick enough to meet the needs of current and future residents in many areas. If elected I will ensure that objectives in Local Area Plans and the Development Plan for infrastructure are prioritised and adhered too. I recently initiated a campaign for the provision of a much needed Arts, Youth and Cultural centre for Donabate which is an objective in the area plan and which FCC seem to be reneging upon. I will ensure crèches, schools and other facilities are conditioned in planning permission to be constructed or land transferred for schools at the earliest possible time in all developments and that planning conditions are adhered to. I would also push for the bond system to be examined to establish if the council is setting this at high enough level to incentivise developers to deliver on planning conditions.

Frequently, developers are shirking their legal commitments to build promised facilities in new estates, such as crèches and playgrounds. 

Ultimately, this responsibility for needed public infrastructure shouldn’t be the remit of private enterprises, whose motivations are not conducive to the fast delivery of anything beyond what makes them money. We need to see a return to the state building of high-quality homes and amenities on public land, which a Land Development Agency report has suggested could unlock as many as 60,000 homes.

The bottom line is that we need to build liveable and long-term communities instead of using the unaffordable scattershot approach from the current government.

Ensuring that that my LEA has adequate amenities and services is one of my biggest priorities. For years the people of Lusk, Rush, Donabate and every town in my LEA have suffered from a lack of services. Fingal County Council needs to ensure that planning permission for housing must include services like childcare, youth groups and exercise facilities. I have seen first-hand what happens when housing is built without the necessary infrastructure and the devastating effects it has on communities. I am from a generation in North County Dublin that has been failed by successive councils and governments. In my area childcare has become scarce and health services have become overwhelmed with many people who have recently moved to Fingal still belonging to their GP’s from closer to the city. Ensuring that sufficient youth services is extremely important to me, the creation of more recreational spaces is a priority for me should I be elected. Addressing the power outages in my LEA is also a priority as this has been a problem that has not been addressed for far too long. I would also advocate for new cultural and youth centres such as the one planned for Donabate which as of now, has no clarity. Getting timelines and sites is extremely important so that these amenities can be built. Fixing the lack of services and amenities in my LEA is something I am extremely passionate about and something which I will fight for if I am elected in June. 

This is one of the most common issues I hear on the doors. When an area is growing quickly there is often a lag between population growth and service provision. I would like to see this reversed, and the local authority deliver more quickly on their commitments under the Local Area Plans. For example, Rush has been waiting years for a new secondary school as a site wasn't secured before the houses were built.

I am working with a group in Donabate who are trying to set up a multifunctional youth centre, but we are struggling to find an appropriate site as most public land has been earmarked for housing. We have a major lack of childcare facilities in the area and developers are slow to build the creches. Sometimes, they try to avoid building them at all. 

If elected, I will look for greater enforcement on developers to abide by their commitments in new developments and ensure better provision for community amenities. I will also identify opportunities to improve our public spaces and make them more liveable. 

Dublin Airport is critically important for everyone, Fingal, our Country and we are fortunate that it is located in the heart of Fingal. I am a strong supporter of Dublin Airport and its vital importance. However it’s not a free pass and I believe the Dublin Airport Authority could do much better in been a good neighbour to its surrounding communities and areas that the airport impacts the most. I am supportive of the Dublin Airport Local Area Plan which we adopted as Councillors in 2020 and this plan allows the airport to expand to accommodating 40 million passengers in the years ahead in tandem with major infrastructural improvements in and around Dublin Airport. 

The expansion of Dublin airport is something that requires a careful balance that gives serious consideration to climate action, health, quality of life issues and the economic well being of our country. 

I have confidence the existing regulatory frameworks which the airport operates within are sufficiently robust to ensure the right balance is struck for any future development at the airport.

In relation to Dublin Airport’s current operations it is very clear that since the North Runway opened aircraft are not adhering to the approved flight paths. This is leading to unacceptable noise pollution for people living in the Rush Lusk electoral area. Adherence to planning conditions is essential. Before expansion of the airport can even be considered we need to sort out the existing chaotic access problem in and around the airport. It is virtually impossible to book a parking space near the airport. The proposed metro link will be indispensable and it should have been commenced years ago. We need to strike a balance between sustainability and connectivity. We have legally enforceable carbon budgets that must be complied with. If expansion is to take place in the future it must be done incrementally and only after a rigorous consultation process. 

Many aspects of this plan don’t add up to me. Firstly, from a Climate perspective, the current plans to expand Dublin Airport are reckless. It’s difficult to see how this expansion would align with the now legally binding 5-year departmental carbon budgets.

Secondly, residents in Lusk & Rush are already facing severe noise pollution from the existing flight routes. Any expansion would need thorough consultation to ensure these residents’ well-being is not put at further risk.

Thirdly, it seems illogical that we would expand the Airport without first having a robust and modern transportation system, such as the long-promised Metro North, to facilitate this passenger increase. As An Taisce has warned, this decision seems to be motivated by economic growth rather than the long-term well-being of the residents of Fingal.

The expansion of Dublin Airport would be a good thing as it would bring more jobs to the area and grow the economy. However this must be done having adhered to all regulations and guidelines. The DAA has not adhered to these and the lack of consultation with local residents is worrying. More homes in the area now require sound insulation as a result of An Bord Pleanála’s case regarding night flights. These families need to be supported and heard. 

While I acknowledge the importance of Dublin Airport both as a strategic and economic transport hub, the introduction of the north runway has had a detrimental impact on those living close to the airport and under the flight paths. It's clear they are not following the flight paths that were outlined in the 2007 planning application for the north runway and that they are impacting communities. Infringements of planning regulations by any industry are not acceptable. 

Given the existing transport infrastructure, I don't believe that a major expansion of the airport should be considered soon. Residents are already suffering from severe noise pollution and traffic congestion and any expansion would only make this worse. Any expansion should only be considered once better transport links like the Metro are complete and some way found to reduce the noise impact on residents. In the meantime, we should look at developing our regional airports and move away from our Dublin-centric model.

A lot more needs to be done, in many ways Fingal has been left behind in the provision of Public transport but pleased to see both the NTA and transport stakeholders have agreed ambitious plans that now need to be delivered. High Quality Public transport is a key requirement for us all in not just fulfilling our climate actions obligations but in building healthy sustainable communities across Fingal. Work needs to progress on large projects such as dart plus North, BusConnects and Metrolink. For example I strongly support the NTAs plans to extend the Dart to Donabate and greatly improve the local bus service which will see Donabate Portrane connected to Dublin Airport by bus, I know it is now going to happen but I’m frustrated by the slow pace of progress. I also am a strong supporter of permeability and more local projects such as our safe routes to school and greenway projects. 

Fingal is one of fastest growing areas in the country. Increased capacity and frequency on the Northern commuter rail line must be prioritised and delivered as soon as possible. Many commuters are returning to their cars to travel to work as the trains are full especially at peak times. For example - According to census 2022 the percentage of commuters using public transport in Donabate and Portrane is down on census 2016. Inadequate bus and rail services are pushing commuters to drive to work. 24 hour bus services to city centre and airport are needed. Earlier trains on weekends are required to facilitate shift workers travelling to work. Services to DCU are also needed from across North County Dublin. Delivery of the metro project is imperative and a push for future public transport provision which links up populous areas of Fingal - eg imagine trying to get from Swords County Hall to the Blanchardstown Civic Offices by public transport? There is no link at all between the North County and the D15 area which forces vast amounts of traffic on to the M1 and M50. I intend to pursue these issues with the National Transport Authority and Bus and rail companies. 

To put it mildly, a lot. It’s shameful that in 2024, the Dart does not go beyond Malahide, locking many commuters out of timely routes to work and forcing many to commute through gridlocked traffic.

The story of transport in Fingal is the story of successive failed promises. For instance, the delivery of Metro North has become a joke locally, with so many people doubting they’ll live to see the day it’s finally constructed & operational. Certainly, it’s a national embarrassment that our capital airport doesn’t have a connected metro system like every other major European city, and it is a shock to many visitors who come here. I have been pushing both points for a long time at the council level.

Still, frustratingly, there’s only so much Councillors can do to affect national policy, especially when the leading government parties are so lacking on the issue.

Locally, I have been fighting to hold the National Transport Authority (NTA) accountable for the subpar service provided on privatised bus routes of the 33a and 33b, which are now in the remit of the Go-Ahead service provider rather than Dublin Bus. While we were promised by the NTA that “passengers will benefit from this decision”, just a few years later, in 2022, we saw the Managing Director of Go-Ahead apologising to an Oireachtas committee for their subpar service.

During the Bus Connects consultation process in 2019, I made a comprehensive submission to air residents' concerns, such as the inconsistency of service and the ad-hoc changes to standard established routes. Finally, in 2024, we are seeing some progress - particularly on re-establishing legacy routes.

However, we still need to see better accountability of this public service that people rely on to be consistent and on time for their education and livelihoods. Fundamentally, we’re witnessing just another example of how profit-motivated public planning has led to a race to the bottom that Fingal residents must navigate.

The public transport situation in North County Dublin is disastrous. 70% of Fingal’s workforce commutes outside of Fingal largely due to insufficient public transport. Lusk and Rush are serviced by the 33, 33x and 33a bus routes. These busses are regularly late or cancelled all together. The 33b is the only regular bus route out of Donabate and Portrane and only goes as far as Swords. Two busses would be necessary in order to get into Dublin City. The privatisation of the bus routes in my area has been devastating. These busses do not come regularly enough to accommodate the population of my LEA. As a result, the busses that do come, are often overcrowded. In Ballyboughal, The Naul, Garristown and Oldtown the bus services are not adequate. The Local Link does not take Leap Cards and does not come regularly enough. This needs to be remedied. It is perhaps time for the addition of new bus routes or the expansion of existing ones at minimum.

The train situation is not much better. Rush and Lusk Train Station is located in between the two towns. The road leading up to the station is too close to the main road and dangerous. I myself have had to duck while walking up that road when a tractor has come to avoid machinery sticking out. A complete upgrade and expansion of the Station Road is needed. With regards to the train itself, they too are often overcrowded and stuffy. I have witnessed commuters passing out from the heat on the train to college in the morning. Also, like with the busses, train services do not come regularly enough to accommodate the population of our area. The extension of DART services to Balbriggan would be great for commuters from Rush, Lusk and Donabate. It would also be great for Donabate/Portrane as the peninsula has limited road access. I would also advocate for the addition of Donabate, Lusk, Rush, Loughshinny, Skerries and Balbriggan to the Dublin Metrolink plans as to be left behind in this decision would be disastrous.  

I have a vision of Fingal where it is easier and safer for most journeys to be taken by public transport, foot, bicycle, or scooter. Rural locations should have a viable transport system that works and safe routes to cycle and walk. Owning a car should be a choice, not a necessity. This was the case when I was growing up, but cars have taken over our towns and congestion has made our transport system ineffective.

To make transport more effective it needs to be frequent and reliable. Continued investment with the rollout of Dart + and bus corridors will help with this, but we need to increase capacity on many of the Bus services. I have been working with GoAhead to identify opportunities to improve this.

Accessibility to transport is a big issue in some towns. For example, Rush and Lusk station is situated outside both towns with no safe cycling route and a bus route that is over capacity. I’d love to see a safe cycling route between the towns and a shuttle bus that services the route at peak times.

Increased permeability is also essential to reduce journey times and improve safety. I am committed to work on this with the council and community.


Again, this is something we’ve seen lots of improvement in over the last few years and of course a lot more is needed. 

Better signage, segregated cycleways, wider footpaths are needed. But I’m both a Driver & Cyclist myself and we also need better driver behaviour. Drivers must be more aware they share the road and should show better awareness of the more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. The responsibility of driving a car is really important and of course a car is way more powerful in the hierarchy of road users than pedestrians or cyclists. 

Cats eyes must be provided on secondary roads, additional street lights, traffic calming measures in certain locations and Improved signage. I would campaign for road safety for cyclists as well to ensure the use of lights in the evening etc . 

I am an active cyclist, opting for cycling and public transportation instead of driving. However, funnily enough, I don’t actually own a bike! I use the rental bike service in Portrane and Donabate for my commute to the train station or use the available buses. Unsurprisingly, I secured an expansion of the bleeper bike service across Donabate, Portrane, and soon Rush and Lusk.

As a regular cyclist, I see first-hand the shortcomings of our cycling infrastructure in the North County. For instance, there is no safe cycle route from Rush or Lusk to the nearby train station, and there is no safe cycle route from Donabate and Portrane to Swords. I’ve done both routes before, and as many local cyclists will attest, it’s not for the faint of heart.

At the council level, I've been pushing for this joint-up thinking for cycle infrastructure within the various towns and to connect them properly. It’s great to see the advanced works happening on-site for the Broadmeadow Way greenway from Donabate to Malahide and a route now identified for the expansion from Rogerstown Park, Balleally, via Rush and Lusk Station, into Lusk.

The council staff and civil servants must be commended for getting the project to this stage. However, these massive infrastructure projects take time, and more should be done in conjunction, such as those connections from Donabate to Swords and safe cycling to the train station in Rush and Lusk.

In terms of walkability, a lot more could be done. We are seeing new estates being built that are essentially islands, lacking the necessary infrastructure for residents to cross the road safely, forcing them to use a car to exit their estates safely.

For example, I’ve been pushing hard in Donabate for an adequate crossing outside the newer Glaslinn and Cobbes Court estates. A simple pelican crossing would mean the world to these residents, providing a safe and healthy option to leave their estate. However, as previously mentioned, the current government's scattershot approach to housing is all about housing units absent of the long-term infrastructural needs and well-being of the residents within a livable, walkable community.

High quality roads is extremely important. The Old Beflast Road which connects Lusk and Donabate to Swords has fallen into disrepair. This road has numerous pot holes which can cause damage to cars and trucks. On the road many cars will swerve to avoid these holes which can lead to an increased risk of collisions. Given that this road is the main road into Dublin City, investing in it is important. We need to revitalise our roads with the addition of signs and road bumps. Blakes Cross for example, is notorious for accidents so I would advocate for a redevelopment here at minimum to reduce the amount of accidents, with the proper public consultation of course! Cycle tracks are also important. The Station Road that connects Rush and Lusk, as well as R127, are extremely dangerous for cyclists. It is time to build cycle tracks here to ensure that cyclists and vehicle drivers are protected I am also a strong supporter of the greenway to make walking and cycling to Malahide from Donabate/Portrane easier. 

I have a vision of Fingal where it is easier and safer for most journeys to be taken by public transport, foot, bicycle, or scooter. Rural locations should have a viable transport system that works and safe routes to cycle and walk. Owning a car should be a choice, not a necessity. This was the case when I was growing up, but cars have taken over our towns and congestion has made our transport system ineffective.

Thankfully this is something we are already quite active on in fingal. The recent capital programme agreed a 1.35 billion investment in Fingal that has committed multiple of millions euros to active travel projects. 

We need to continue in the same vein and in fact up the pace of delivery. The Broadmeadow Greenway in my own area connecting Donabate to Malahide will be a game changer and I’m delighted to see work is finally underway in delivering this major Greenway but we also need to improve the pedestrian and cycle network right across the county connecting residential areas with local schools, transport hubs and amenities. 

Many areas across Fingal have inadequate and unsafe footpaths and roads. Provision of cycle and pedestrian paths must be prioritised to encourage people to walk/cycle. Walking and cycling buses to schools should be encouraged where possible. Children should be able to walk or cycle to school safely. This is not the case in many parts of Fingal. I intend to pursue this vigorously if elected. 

What's good for pedestrians and cyclists is also a significant benefit for road users. When new cycle lanes are built, we also see connected roads become safer and better maintained for motorists. I don’t believe it’s good planning to consider these interests as oppositional or mutually exclusive, as we all fall under these different categories at different times. However, to focus on road users for a moment, it is deeply concerning to see casualty rates on Irish roads increasing 19% from last year, with this year's figures being the highest within a decade.

We need to see more camera-based enforcement within Fingal to protect us and responsible road users from reckless drivers and more Gardaí on the beat, monitoring the roads to help ensure safety for local residents. In addition, we need to see more lighting in appropriate locations that have been long neglected, such as the R127 out of Lusk to Blake’s Cross, Hearse Road and Turvey Avenue in Donabate.

We need real investment in this kind of infrastructure. The roads that connect the various towns in Fingal are extremely dangerous. We need these roads to be developed so that vehicles and pedestrians can travel at ease. Public consultation is also important here. While I welcome these extremely necessary upgrades, they need to be done in conjecture with public consultation. We cannot have a situation where these upgrades cause more harm than good as is with the new cycle path installed near Corduff on the Old Belfast Road outside of Lusk. This example also shows where we need public consultation. Many people have been in contact with me about this and that they’d prefer to have seen the Station Road redeveloped. This is why public consultation is important as we can’t have councillors who are out of touch.

The towns of North County Dublin, like many in Ireland, were small rural towns and the roads entering them reflect that heritage. There is some urgent work that needs to be done to improve safety for all road users. For example, the Hearse Rd in Donabate has a blind bend where a wall has been knocked down by cars so many times I’ve lost count.

Improvements should be made to create better visibility and traffic management systems put in place to slow vehicles down. Consideration should also be given to limiting accessibility and speed of heavy vehicles. Increased space for pedestrians and protected cycling lanes are a much better use of space and provide better visibility than parked cars.

Green spaces and increasing biodiversity are essential for the local communities which I represent. I will continue working with the council to ensure high quality open spaces are delivered and passed over to the council in really good condition when completed. I am also strongly supportive of the Fingal County Council Biodiversity action plan and its full implementation. This plan outlines how we in fingal will address the biodiversity crisis. I will continue to work closely with both the biodiversity team and local community stakeholders to secure funding and consent for the actions outlined in the plan. 

Create community gardens. Planting trees, flowers, and other plants, wherever space is available. Plant native plants. Create Habitat for Pollinators. Have a community green awareness day. To promote biodiversity-Cease or Limit the Use of Pesticides.Support our local farms. Encourage creation of Wetlands. Leave Grassland Unfertilised. Plant Native Trees and Shrubs. Let Dandelions Grow. Introduce Biodiversity Friendly Mowing. 

One of a local Councillor's most important roles and powers is the ability to rezone land within the County Development Plan every six years. I can proudly say that within the most recent development plan (2023 - 2029), I voted against any large-scale rezonings of high amenity, rural, open space and greenbelt land.

Yes, housing is needed, but do we want to live within a concrete jungle with no green spaces within walking distance? If re-elected, you can rest assured that I will continue to protect our high amenity and greenbelt land and encourage the creation of new public parks wherein native trees are planted.

Also, as an active member of the Council’s Climate Action, Biodiversity and Environment policy committee, I’ve pushed hard at each step to fund, staff, finalise and implement the council’s overall biodiversity action plan. I’m happy to report that the recruitment of council ecology staff, on the council, is due to be completed this May. 

In addition, I’m proud of my work with Clean Coasts Ireland to help local volunteers re-establish the Clean Coast group for Donabate and the successful push to end the harmful beach-scrapping practices following a strong community-led campaign. This is a model to follow throughout the North County to protect the critical biodiversity on our many beaches.

If any reader is interested in setting one up in their local area or getting involved with the Donabate one, please get in touch. We need to protect our beaches, particularly as Climate Breakdown progresses. This issue is close to my heart, as I live near a site of drastic coastal erosion at Portrane. Not only is this severely affecting local residents and traders, with imminent risk to their homes, but it is also leading to the destruction of protected natural habitats of nearby protected species.

As a member of the coastal liaison committee, I’ve long been calling for Minister Darragh O’Brien to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves, as this will be the reality for many habitats and communities in Ireland over the next decade. Portrane Beach can offer a template for nature-based solutions to protect our coastal communities for all species that call it home - however, current plans are progressing far too slowly.

Biodiversity is a necessity if we are to be serious about tackling Climate Change. Climate activism must be at the forefront of any and all policies going forward. I would advocate for the planting of trees throughout my LEA. Trees are perhaps the best tool we have in tackling the lack of biodiversity and Climate change in Fingal. The implementation of biodiverse patches of land would be important, similar to those found in Dublin City. I would also encourage the planting of native Irish trees rather than foreign ones which will help biodiversity. While the power councillors have is limited, this is an area in which very significant and positive change can be implemented. 

Last year Fingal CC announced a Biodiversity Action Plan that included 100 different actions to protect nature and improve biodiversity in the county that has been seriously damaged by development, pollution, and climate change.

We need to reverse some of the damage that has been done and there are fantastic community groups all over the county doing great work on the ground and a huge interest in improving and protecting nature.

I recently helped set up a Sustainability Group in Donabate and we are working to identify areas where we can plant more trees, hedgerows, and wildflower meadows and to set up a community gardens around the peninsula. I have seen what can been achieved when the council listen and work positively with groups like the tidy towns, coastal community groups and other local interest groups. I am very committed to working with local groups helping them get the funding they need to continue their great work.

As a local councillor, it’s fundamental to my role that social, recreational and physical amenities such as parks and open spaces are developed in fingal and that they are developed in tandem with other developments and not afterwards. As I outlined above, I will continue to work with the council to ensure the provision of new parks and sports facilities. I intend to continue to do this through engagement with local communities to ensure the right facilities become available in the areas I represent. As well as new facilities and spaces we need to upgrade and carefully manage our existing amenities and open spaces. Lastly I will continue to fight hard to get parks and sports facilities onto the Councils Capital programme and once I achieve that will continue to work day & night to make sure they are delivered. I’m proud of my record in this space since been first elected in 2014. 

Make the case for specific capital projects in the co co. capital programme especially for areas of high population increase around Fingal. Make sure that all sports clubs and relevant bodies are aware of national sports grants available- speak to FCC about strategic land acquisitions that could be made for use of sports facilities in the future. Push for swimming pools in the capital programme.

The North County is in desperate need of permanent swimming facilities. We recently had pop-up pools throughout Fingal, which were enormously popular. The demand is high, but the delivery is severely lacking. There are plans for a permanent pool in Balbriggan, which will likely be the first in the North County in the near future. However, a closer one to serve the residents of Donabate, Portrane, Rush and Lusk is much needed.

Of course, a large project of this kind will understandably take time, and that’s why I have been pressing the council to purchase the pop-up pools so they can be used semi-permanently until a proper pool is delivered.

In addition, we must support a broader range of activities in the North County beyond the traditional sports that we already see so much investment in. I was delighted to see the inclusion of an all-weather running track within the Ballymastone Recreational Hub and pushed hard to secure funds for a skatepark and large playground within these plans. I will ensure a similar diversity of activities are delivered in the proposed Recreational Sports Hub for Rathmore Park in Lusk.

Across Fingal, I am now pushing hard for teen spaces. This concept has been successfully trialled within South Dublin County Council, which is essentially a purposefully built playground with older kids in mind. I often hear valid concerns from residents of teenagers hanging out within children's playgrounds. However, it’s hard to blame these teens when you consider that they’re largely neglected in our public plans, with no designated outdoor public spaces to simply hang out with their friends. 

We must also consider that those who are not athletically inclined are served within our communities, and that’s why I have been pushing, alongside a strong community campaign, to have a multi-functional arts, community & youth facility within the rapidly expanding Donabate and Portrane Peninsula.

I have introduced motions at the council level to secure this at every relevant opportunity and, most recently, at the Donabate Urban Framework plan meeting. Ultimately, all of these are essential pieces in the puzzle to create durable and enriching communities that will serve the North County for generations to come.

I would advocate for new green spaces to be built in new housing estates. I would also advocate for sports facilities such as Astro pitches, basketball courts and running tracks. The lack of sports facilities in my LEA is very clear. Many people have to travel to use sports facilities in my LEA which is inconvenient at best. Sport is something which everyone can enjoy so investing in these facilities is necessary and goes a long way in terms of building a community and general health and wellbeing. 

To ensure sufficient facilities are provided for to a growing population it needs to be built into our planning system. Sites and locations must be identified prior to any building being undertaken. I believe that this has been improved upon in the last development plan, but we have a lot to catch up on.

One major issue for me is that lack of public swimming pools in the county and the overreliance on private sports clubs to teach children to swim. Parents are currently driving great distances and at huge inconvenience to access a swimming pool. I believe all children in urban areas should have access to a public pool by foot or on public transport.

All towns should have easy access to open spaces where people and children can be in nature. Access to nature is essential for both physical and mental health. We are lucky in Fingal to have so many beautiful parks and beaches, but we need to ensure all our citizens have better access to them and ensure they are open at times when they can be appreciated.