Tom O'Leary

Fine Gael candidate for Balbriggan

How would you help get more housing built in Fingal?

If we are to build 50,000 homes per annum up from 30,000 then we obviously need to make more appropriate land available for homes. I expect when the new housing targets are announced that a process will commence to look at land zoning in Q1. 2025 in Fingal and i will engage positively in that process to deliver more homes in Fingal   I would like to see bulders developers providing pre fab living accommodation for skilled building workers on medium to large sites for 2-3 years and remove that pre fab accommodation when the estate is built out. This is common practice across Europe. Restaurants Nursing homes Ryanair Supermacs provide living accommodation for workers In order to entice more skilled building workers to work in Ireland we need to look at that option. No planning permission required. No planning or service charges. Same system aa exemption for Housing for Ukraine refugees. In this case it's probably 1 and 2 storey pre fabs. 

That's something practical real that would assist building of more homes quicker. 

What would you do to help make sure adequate amenities and services would be added along with any new housing built?

I have called on government to substantially increase the sports capital fund to build more astroturf all weather pitches, build more public swimming pools in Balbriggan and swords build more community building. All these community facilities should be front loaded in phase 1 of any housing development. They are conditioned in masterplans development plans planning permission.

The day of these facilities being built 10 years after an estate is finished are over. If we increase housing targets by 60% from 30k to 50k then the national sports capital fund should be doubled in my view i.e. increased 100% from the current level of funding.

Skerries Bowling club are awaiting a €92,000 sports capital grant to upgrade their astroturf bowling green. Skerries Rugby Club are awaiting a €140,000 grant to upgrade the sports facilities at the club. We need 100% more projects like that in our growing communities. 

What are your views are on Dublin Airport’s current operations and its proposed expansion?

That matter is with Fingal Co Council as a live planning application. It's very unfortunate that 300 homes with agreed noise mitigation measures to be paid for by DAA Dublin Airport Authority are in limbo suffering adverse noise impact in their homes pending various decisions. I would like to see the noise insulation measures carried out as soon as possible.

I would like to see the airport developed in a compliant manner under the strict supervision of the ANCA airport noise authority. The airport is a serious economic generator and employer in Fingal and Ireland. Current issues will be decided in the courts and by the Planning authorities. 

What needs to be done to improve public transport in Fingal?

We need joined up connected active travel cycling walking routes in "appropriate locations " where they fit and will work.

We need a transport hub at Lissenhall north of Swords on the land bought for that purpose.

Better and more frequent bus service to and from the airport. A active travel cycling walking pathfinder project connecting Dublin Airport to swords population 45,000 Its in the Fingal and Government Programme. We need an upgraded more extensive bus service from Balbriggan to Dublin including Balrothery  

What should be done to make it nicer and safer for people to get around the city on foot and by bike?

Dedicated segregated bicycle lanes. Full stop. 

What should be done to make the roads safer for all road users?

Cut the speed limit in all towns and villages in Fingal to 30km Per Hour. We are going to do that in Fingal.

How would you help create more natural green spaces and promote biodiversity in Fingal?

Fingal has a "biodiversity action plan" with a dedicated team of biodiversity officers. We will implement that plan and the actions in it. 

How would you help get more parks and sports facilities built in Fingal?

"Buy more land." they ain't making anymore of it. I am working on a project to acquire 32 acres for a sports hub and other facilities in Fingal. If strategic lands come for sale. Fingal Co Council should buy that land for public use. Look at Ardgillan desmesne, Malahide Castle, Newbridge desmesne. Great vision and ambition to buy those lands many years ago for the public good.