I’m running for re-election to Dublin City Council next year – and I need your help!
Continue reading “I’m running in 2024 and I need your help!”The Phoenix Park parking strategy: my thoughts
The draft Phoenix Park parking strategy was published today. It’s here, open for public consultation until 6th June.
UPDATE: Neasa Hourigan TD, Cllr. Janet Horner, Feljin Jose and I put in a joint submission, which you can see here.
I’ve put a summary of what’s in the plan below, which I’ll eventually work into a full submission. But here are the key points:
Continue reading “The Phoenix Park parking strategy: my thoughts”Swap AirBnB for housing on Thomas Street: my planning observation
There’s a planning application to convert commercial/office space on Thomas Street to AirBnB-style short-stay apartments.
In essence, I think the plans to change from office to accommodation are positive, but regular housing (for rent or purchase) would be preferable and more in line with city policy – especially given Ireland’s housing shortage.
UPDATE: Dublin City Council has rejected the application, largely on the same grounds as below.
Continue reading “Swap AirBnB for housing on Thomas Street: my planning observation”Latest update: new Liffey bridge for War Memorial Gardens
A new bridge is planned to go from the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge/Chapelizod across the Liffey. The Office of Public Works (OPW) are responsible. I keep this webpage updated with the latest information on the project.
The latest update (26th February 2024) is that a formal planning application for the bridge has been submitted. You can see that here and make a submission until the 2nd of April 2024.
The previous update (14th November 2023) was from a parliamentary question which Patrick Costello TD kindly put in on my behalf. It says that the OPW aim to apply for planning permission in the first quarter of 2023, hopefully tendering for the works in 2023.
Continue reading “Latest update: new Liffey bridge for War Memorial Gardens”Public event: the Future of the Iveagh Markets
The Iveagh Markets are crumbling, but we’re working to save them and eventually get them reopened.
To look at the past, present and future of the markets, Patrick Costello and I are hosting a public meeting on Tuesday 14th March 2023, at 7:30pm in the Digital Hub. We’ll be meeting in the ID8 Studio, 157 Thomas Street.
We’ll hear from local historians, Patrick and I, and a councillor on the northside who’s been working on the related Fruit and Veg Markets on the northside.
No registration needed in advance: all welcome.

In support of the Donore Project: planning observation
The Land Development Agency are applying to build 543 apartments in Dublin 8, on the site of the old St. Teresa’s Gardens. I’m very supportive of the application – as it will provide much needed housing supply, particularly in the social housing and cost rental sectors.
Below is the short and simple observation I sent in to An Bord Pleanála in February 2023.
Continue reading “In support of the Donore Project: planning observation”Housing, not a hotel for Francis Street
Developers sought to build an aparthotel on the corner of Francis Street and Mark’s Alley. I think they should build housing there instead.
Below is the observation I sent in: all the documents are here. Dublin City Council rejected planning permission in March 2023.
Continue reading “Housing, not a hotel for Francis Street”Ending Dublin’s tax break for new car parking
For years, Dublin City Council (along with many others) has been giving new-build car parking spaces a tax break. I have been working over the past years to end that tax break, and I think we’re close to achieving it.
Continue reading “Ending Dublin’s tax break for new car parking”Rialto linear park: second phase to start in February
The second phase of work on the new linear park in Rialto (along St. James’ Walk) will start in the first week of February 2022. Works are expected to take about four months to complete.
Continue reading “Rialto linear park: second phase to start in February”Approval for Supervised Injection facility “will save lives” – Greens
An Bord Pleanála have approved an application for a supervised injecting facility for Merchant’s Quay in Dublin 8 – a decision which has been welcomed by local Green Party representatives.
The injection facility provides a safe, supervised, medical space for people injecting drugs. There are over 90 in operation worldwide.
Continue reading “Approval for Supervised Injection facility “will save lives” – Greens”