The housing crisis has brought immense suffering to numerous individuals in Clontarf and the surrounding areas. Many find themselves trapped in a cycle of exorbitant rents, unable to save for a down payment on a home of their own. Others remain living with family far longer than they desire, delaying their independence, and some feel compelled to emigrate due to a lack of prospects in Ireland. It is essential that everyone has access to secure and affordable housing. Addressing this crisis requires a change in government to reverse decades of ineffective housing policies.

Sinn Féin offers an alternative approach to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. In our 2024 Alternative Budget, we propose increased investment, higher targets to meet demand, streamlined processes to reduce current delays of up to 2 years before building even starts, utilisation of new construction technologies, accelerated planning procedures, and adjustments to the tax code to incentivise the construction of affordable housing.

A team of Sinn Féin councillors would be committed to addressing the housing crisis at the local level. We aim to facilitate the construction of genuinely affordable homes through Local Councils and Approved Housing Bodies, utilising public land for this purpose, as is Sinn Féin’s plan in Government.

Sinn Féin has proposed substantial increases in government funding allocated to councils for the upkeep, renovation, and retrofitting of council-owned houses. This encompasses a dedicated fund aimed at empowering local authorities to proactively address maintenance issues, such as deteriorating windows and doors, dampness, mould, and leaks. All too frequently, minor issues escalate into major problems due to prolonged neglect. Our goal is for every local authority to develop a preventive maintenance strategy to mitigate such issues. Additionally, we would aim to implement a regeneration program for ageing apartment buildings and flats that have surpassed their intended lifespan.

No individual should be subjected to living conditions like dampness, mould, or neglect. Our focus is on prioritising the repair of properties most urgently in need of attention and reducing wait times for essential maintenance services.

Dublin offers a vibrant and charming living, working, and visiting experience of the city. Yet, there is ample room for improvement in maintaining a clean environment, particularly regarding the cleanliness of our streets. I advocate for the transition of bin services back into public ownership, along with the enhancement of public waste services, including the provision of bins and recycling centres.

There are a large number of unoccupied and derelict properties in Dublin that have remained vacant for years, including in Clontarf, which only exacerbates the issues facing our communities.

Sinn Féin proposes that local authorities pursue Compulsory Purchase orders, where feasible, to redevelop these derelict properties and advocate for expanded implementation of the Buy and Renew scheme to revitalise unused buildings. We also call for monthly updates to enhance the collection of the Derelict Sites Levy and speed up the process of returning vacant social housing.

Communities have the right to feel secure and safe, yet numerous people in Dublin express concerns about their safety.

Sinn Féin has presented our plans to bolster investment in the Gardaí, aiming to increase the presence of Gardaí on our streets to protect communities. We propose the establishment of a public transport policing unit to enhance safety for commuters. Additionally, we are committed to addressing the recruitment and retention challenges within the Gardaí to prevent the significant number of resignations.

Ensuring road safety and accessible transportation is fundamental to fostering secure and inclusive communities where individuals can live, work, and enjoy recreational activities without concern. The year 2023 witnessed the highest number of road fatalities in nearly a decade, with Dublin ranking the worst in public transportation among 30 European cities. The time for change is now.

We know that many children face challenges getting to school safely without a parent dropping them off, which not only poses a burden on parents but also limits young people's independence. In government, we would increase funding to allow children to get to school safely.

Promoting active modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking for those who are able to do so, will play a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis. For this to be realistic, it is so important that people feel confident that they can do so safely. We support carrying out comprehensive audits of all footpaths and implementing a program for footpath refurbishment to ensure that everyone can navigate their local area with ease.

Ensuring road safety and accessible transportation is fundamental to fostering secure and inclusive communities where individuals can live, work, and enjoy recreational activities without concern. The year 2023 witnessed the highest number of road fatalities in nearly a decade, with Dublin ranking the worst in public transportation among 30 European cities. The time for change is now.

We know that many children face challenges getting to school safely without a parent dropping them off, which not only poses a burden on parents but also limits young people's independence. In government, we would increase funding to allow children to get to school safely.

Promoting active modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking for those who are able to do so, will play a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis. For this to be realistic, it is so important that people feel confident that they can do so safely. We support carrying out comprehensive audits of all footpaths and implementing a program for footpath refurbishment to ensure that everyone can navigate their local area with ease.

I am committed to advocating for a society that upholds principles of fairness, equality, diversity, and inclusivity. It is essential that every part of our community, especially marginalised groups, feel safe, represented, and free of the fear of harm. Acts of arson targeting accommodation for asylum seekers are unjustifiable and have no place in our society, and I strongly condemn such attacks.