How would you help get more housing built in the city – especially social and affordable housing?
The housing crisis is such that it is both a local and a national issue. Sinn Féin has been the party putting the issue of housing front and central continuously for years. We need housing, social and affordable and we need it now.
Similar to many thousands of others in this city I experienced some of the stresses of trying to find new accommodation in this city when for a period last year, I was declared homeless by Dublin City Council. This happened when the conditions of the HAP property I was living was so bad that Dublin City Council said it needed so much work my lease was ended by the landlord.
On the Council I will work to accelerate the regeneration project of Emmet Road, Dolphin House and St Teresa’s Gardens to increase the social and affordable in Dublin 8. I will also work to ensure that plans are finalised for other Council property and at lands earmarked on CIÉ lands in Inchicore.
How would you help improve conditions in existing housing, both social and privately rented?
The current condition of much rental accommodation is poor across the city. De-humidifiers are commonplace as tenants try to tackle the damp, mouldy and cramped conditions in many flats and apartments.
Through my work on the South Inner City Community Development Association, I was part of the board that assisted with Trinity College’s report on the living conditions within the Oliver Bond flats complex and their effects on residents' health.
To address the conditions in the Social housing stock, Sinn Féin have proposed increases in Government funding to refurbish Council homes. In the private rental market, more needs to be done in terms of enforcing minimum housing standards with more inspections of HAP properties and other private rented properties to ensure they are fit for purpose, are habitable and are not causing or contributing to tenant’s poor health.
What would you do to help make the city feel less dirty, tackling the rubbish and dog poo all over the streets?
Sinn Fein Councillors have been calling for bin services to be brought back into public ownership. I believe that when achieved this will result in a decrease in illegal dumping and is something I will work to achieve.
I want an increase in street sweeping and litter bins to target current litter “black spots” on Meath Street and other local roads.
In order to tackle dog fouling, I would strive to implement free dog bag stations across the south west inner city, such initiatives have been successful in other councils such as Laois County Council.
Horse manure is also problem in the Liberties and this also needs address.
What would you do to help tackle vacancy and dereliction?
Sinn Féin would encourage local authorities to compulsory purchase derelict properties quicker and for the Council, the Land Development Agency, Digital Hub to restore or build on sites they currently holds.
The Council should give councillors monthly updates of its collection of the Derelict Sites Levy and should speed up the reallocation of vacant social homes.
What needs to be done to make the city feel safer?
Sinn Féin is committed to increasing the number of Gardaí on our streets, with Kevin Street Garda Station being one of the most affected for years by huge cuts in the number of Gardaí there.
A safer City means safer Communities, I want to be able to empower communities to not allow a minority to affect the majority. A strong community is less likely to allow antisocial behavior and creates a safer place to live.
To do that we need support form An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, greater investment in youth and sports facilities in the Liberties and other communities across the city.
What needs to be done to improve public transport in the city?
Dublin Bus need more buses and need to stick to the timetables promised and I will strive to work to create a comprehensive plan for Dublin’s public transport ensuring that it is safe, efficient and on time.
What should be done to make it nicer and safer for people to get around the city on foot and by bike?
Sinn Féin is supporting a program for footpath restoration and I believe further steps can taken to tackle problems of accessibility of our footpaths.
People living with disabilities have highlighted to me their difficulties on our city streets, and this needs improvement as part of a wider strategy for safer city for cycling and pedestrians.
What would you do to help counter the rise of the far right, anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ hate, and anti-asylum-seeker arsons?
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and having worked on immigration matters I have seen first-hand the problems that have arisen. More community involvement and further integration projects are required to stop the “us and them” mentality with greater public information and education on why people are coming to this country, anti-Gay and hate speech, assaults and harassment. A greater Garda presence on the streets will also help prevent attacks before they happen. Sinn Féin have been calling for a Fair and Just immigration policy.
Dublin has for so many decades been known as the welcoming city, we should not let this change