A Week in the North Inner City – Working for You

A Week in the North Inner City – Working for You

It’s been a packed week as your Fine Gael Councillor for the North Inner City—one that’s taken me from City Hall to community doorsteps and everywhere in between. Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the work I’ve been doing on your behalf.

Monday began with the challenge of being in two places at once: the Housing Strategic Policy Committee’s first workshop on the new Scheme of Housing Allocations and a detailed briefing from the Active Travel Unit to Dublin Central Area Councillors. While I could only attend the latter, it was an informative session. Engineers confirmed that consultants were examining traffic speeds and volumes across East Wall to develop specific proposals as well as focusing on improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure along East Road and down to New Wapping Street.

We also received an update on the proposed segregated cycle scheme for the North Circular Road, which will be going out for public consultation shortly. While I support the principle of safer cycling infrastructure, I remain to be convinced about some aspects of the plan and how it might impact surrounding local streets. These are important local considerations that I’ll be raising further.

It was also confirmed that Phase 3 of the Royal Canal Greenway—connecting the North Strand to Phibsborough—should be completed by late summer, with an official opening planned for September. Further details are available on my website.

That afternoon, I delivered an update to residents and householders living along Montpelier Hill about the proposed development on Parkgate Street and to advise them that I had organised an information meeting with Planners for Friday afternoon. I was in the Civic Offices dealing with a range of issues—everything from individual housing cases to matters raised by community and sporting organisations. Monday evening, I was out knocking on doors across the Markets area. Listening to residents is one of the most important parts of my role—your feedback keeps me grounded and focused.

On Tuesday, I had the honour of speaking at the Martin McEvoy Conference in DCU’s All Hallows campus. The topic: Dublin Mayoral Governance. I shared my view that Dublin needs an Executive Mayor with Cabinet-style city government, and I joined colleagues from across the political spectrum in a lively and constructive debate. I’ll have more to say on this in a dedicated post in the days ahead.

Wednesday involved important internal discussions with Fine Gael colleagues and Councillors from other parties ahead of major decisions coming before the Council. I also took part in the second meeting of the Planning SPC’s sub-group on dereliction and vacancy—a critical issue not just in the city centre, but right across Dublin. That evening, I was back out on the ground in Ballybough and the North Strand, following up with residents on local concerns. I was also delighted to see former EU Commissioner, President of the European Parliament and Fine Gael MEP, Mairead McGuinness succeed in becoming vice-President of the European Peoples Party, which my party is aligned with.

On Thursday, I continued door-to-door work and delivered community newsletters along Clonliffe Road and Ballybough. A real highlight of the week was launching the 2025 Luke Kelly Festival in Smithfield alongside Luke’s sister, Bessie. It promises to be a fantastic weekend of celebration on May 24th and 25th. I also caught up with my former Council colleague and new Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay North, Naoise Ó Muirí, before turning back to individual casework.

Friday brought me back to the Markets area, speaking with residents about illegal dumping, anti-social behaviour, traffic management, and some social welfare matters. I joined Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jennifer Murnane O’Connor in visiting the After Care Recovery Group (ACRG) on Seville Place—an abstinence-based addiction recovery service that’s changing lives around the country. I ended the week by welcoming residents from Montpelier Hill to Civic Offices to discuss concerns about a major hotel and housing development near their homes.

This was just one week—but it shows the diversity and depth of the issues we’re working on together. Whether it’s shaping policy, solving problems, or supporting communities, I’m here to serve you and be your voice on Dublin City Council.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to talk to me this week. If there’s an issue you want to raise or an idea you want to share, don’t hesitate to get in touch.