Drug Treatment Court
The Drug Treatment Court represents a different way of thinking about crime. It recognises something simple but important: not all crime is the same. When addiction is the driver, punishment alone is not enough.If we want to reduce crime and improve lives, we need to treat the cause — not just the symptoms. The Drug […]
Revenue Raising Powers for Dublin City
Government confirmed their support for legislation that would allow local authorities charge a small visitors tax if they wished to do so. Dublin welcomes millions of visitors each year. Tourism is vital to our economy, but it also places added pressure on city services — street cleaning, waste collection, public spaces, parks, transport and heritage […]
Update on Local Democracy Taskforce
As Local Government spokesperson, Mary recently sought an update on the the Local Democracy Taskforce. Following questions to the Minister, it was confirmed that the Local Democracy Taskforce submitted its final report to the Minister and Minister of State in early March 2026. The report is currently under review. The Government has said it plans […]
75 Years of the National College of Ireland
This is a remarkable milestone for the National College of Ireland as the institution celebrates 75 years of transforming lives, championing education, and creating opportunities at the heart of Dublin City. From its beginnings in 1951 to the vibrant, future-focused campus it is today, NCI has stayed true to its mission: empowering individuals through accessible, […]
The Rotunda Hospital
A new planning application for the redevelopment of the Rotunda hospital will be lodged as soon as possible, backed fully by the Government. The planning application includes: These improvements will deepen the existing partnership with the Mater Hospital, creating even stronger clinical links that directly enhance safety, access, and the overall quality of care for […]
New National Drugs Strategy
Minister for Drugs Jennifer Murnane O’Connor recently updated me in Seanad Eireann on the new national drugs strategy. Her new strategy is designed to respond to the significant changes in drug-use patterns in Ireland and to ensure equitable access to services across the country. The draft strategy proposes five strategic pillars and 30 actions, to […]
Teach An Saol
It is truly great news that Teach an Saol’s proposal for a dedicated National Neuro‑Rehabilitation Centre was granted planning permission by Dublin City Council 9 January 2026. This is a huge achievement. Well done to Padraig’s family and everyone who has contributed and supported this amazing project. The project received Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework approval […]
Scrambler Ban, Grace’s Law
As Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Dublin I am working with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to make Dublin safer. Following unanimous support for my motion, calling for an out-right ban of scramblers at the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, Government have announced Graces Law will be enacted. Graces Law will ban scramblers from use in all […]
Cabra Dart+
In the Seanad I asked the Minister for Transport to prioritise funding for the DART+ South West project to progress. I highlighted the strong case for a new station in Cabra noting that approximately 26,000 people living in the area will benefit from reduced car usage, better commuting time and more reliable public transport. I […]
Re‑Imagining Mountjoy Square Park
Dublin City Council has published its Part 8 proposal to restore and re‑imagine Mountjoy Square Park—one of our city’s most historic Georgian spaces. You can view the proposal here. Here are the key features of the proposal: 1. Restoring the Park’s Historic Layout The plan includes the re‑establishment of the original 18th‑century path network, creation […]