A Voice for Dublin West –
Disability Supports, Utilities & Transport
Dear Constituent,
As we begin 2026, I want to update you on the key issues, community developments and ongoing challenges that have shaped January and February in Dublin West and nationally. These months have highlighted both community resilience and the need for fairer government policy and action.In this newsletter, I’ll update you on:
✅ Community events and local highlights
Community Events and Local Engagement
Parkrun and Community Spirit
Hartstown parkrun continues to go from strength to strength, with excellent turnouts throughout January and February. A sincere thank you to all volunteers who make these events possible.
Local clubs and organisations, including Tyrrelstown Cricket Club and other sporting groups, have held successful events and awards nights celebrating participation and achievement. Community initiatives such as clean-ups and outreach in Littlepace and surrounding areas remain central to strengthening local engagement.
Door-to-door engagement has continued across Littlepace and neighbouring estates, ensuring residents have updates on key local matters and an opportunity to raise concerns directly.
🛠️ Local Infrastructure, Utilities and Services
Water Outages in Littlepace
There have been repeated water outages in Littlepace in recent weeks. Concerns have been raised about the standard and timeliness of communication from Uisce Éireann to affected residents and businesses. Ongoing engagement is taking place to demand clearer, more proactive communication and improved contingency planning.
Electricity and Network Resilience
Following multiple electricity outages in Tyrrelstown in recent months, ESB Networks confirmed causes including equipment failure and storm-related disruption. Their PR6 Investment Plan for 2026–2030 includes network resilience upgrades, though residents are seeking clearer timelines for local implementation.
Transport Updates
The extension of the 40D bus route to Hollystown / Hollywoodrath under BusConnects Phase 10 is scheduled for March 2026. While expanded coverage is welcome, concerns remain regarding peak-hour reliability on services such as the 238, with continued representations made to improve consistency.
The opening of Ongar Bridge improves connectivity and supports planned housing developments. However, concerns remain regarding traffic volumes, the future of Coolmine level crossing and the need for additional infrastructure such as a new bridge at Littlepace.
ATM Access
The removal of several ATMs in Tyrrelstown and Blanchardstown has created concern about access to cash. While regional thresholds are technically met, there is currently no requirement for 24-hour access. A new “local deficiency” framework is due mid-2026, and submissions will be made to ensure Dublin West communities are properly considered.
🏠 Housing and Homelessness
Housing continues to dominate public debate.
Concerns have been raised regarding new rent legislation and its potential impact on tenants. During Dáil exchanges, reference was made to investor communications suggesting projected rental increases linked to legislative changes. This has intensified scrutiny of housing policy direction.
Separately, funding reductions for the tenant-in-situ scheme may increase pressure on homelessness services. This scheme allows councils to purchase properties where tenants face eviction, and reduced capacity risks further strain on an already pressured system.
Housing supply and affordability remain central challenges requiring urgent and balanced policy solutions.
🎓 Education and Disability Supports
Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
Public concern about proposed reductions in SNA allocations led to a pause in planned changes. However, strong community engagement, including large public meetings, reflects ongoing apprehension. Stakeholders argue that inclusive education requires sustained and secure investment in support staff.
Emergency Disability Supports
There have been renewed calls for emergency payments for people with disabilities facing acute cost-of-living pressures. Reports of individuals struggling to cover essential heating, food and electricity costs have heightened focus on adequacy of social protection measures.
Ensuring dignity and financial security for people with disabilities remains a priority area of advocacy.
🚨 Community Safety
The tragic consequences of scrambler misuse earlier this year have led to intensified enforcement operations across West Dublin, including significant seizures of scramblers, e-bikes and related materials.
Calls continue for sustained investment in Garda resources, including specialist units and technology, alongside community cooperation in reporting unsafe activity.
Online safety and platform accountability remain under scrutiny nationally and internationally, particularly in relation to harmful and exploitative content.
💶 Cost of Living and Public Spending
Questions have been raised regarding public expenditure decisions, including executive pay in state bodies and the broader impact of cost-of-living measures. Households continue to experience pressure from rising prices, energy costs and rent increases.
Public debate centres on fairness, transparency and prioritisation of supports for those most affected.
🌍 International Affairs
Recent escalation in conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States has caused significant international concern. Military developments in the region risk further destabilisation and may have serious humanitarian consequences for ordinary civilians.
Many families in Ireland have loved ones living or working across the Middle East and are understandably anxious about the potential impact of renewed hostilities. There are widespread calls internationally for de-escalation, restraint and an urgent return to diplomatic negotiations.
Ireland and the European Union continue to face complex diplomatic decisions in responding to international conflicts. Public debate centres on upholding international law, prioritising civilian protection and supporting peaceful resolution through dialogue rather than prolonged military engagement.
🤝 Looking Ahead
Your voice matters. If you have any concerns, need assistance, or want to discuss any of the issues above, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
📞 Phone: 01 811 1893
📍 Constituency Office: Unit 1, Parkside, Phase 2, Mulhuddart Village, Dublin 15. D15 P97Y
✉️ Email: paul.donnelly@oir.ie
🔗 Follow me on social media: https://www.facebook.com/PaulDonnellySF/
