A Voice for Dublin West –
Stronger Communities, Public Services and Infrastructure
Dear Constituent,
It has been a busy two months, standing up for communities across Dublin 15 while raising important issues in Leinster House, from safer streets and better public services to the cost of living and local infrastructure.
In this newsletter, I’ll update you on:
✅ Tackling scramblers, illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.
✅ Improving local infrastructure and public spaces.
✅ Fighting for better healthcare, education and public services.
✅ Supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis.
✅ Supporting local volunteers, sports clubs and community organisations.
✅ My work in the Dáil on national issues.
🚔 Community Safety and Garda Resources
The continued use of scramblers, illegal e-bikes and e-scooters is a serious concern, particularly given the devastating injuries suffered by children. I attended the Justice Committee and heard directly from parents whose children have been killed or seriously injured on our roads.
I have continued to raise the need for more Garda resources, better training, appropriate legislation and equipment to deal with dangerous vehicles. More Gardaí also need to be trained for active pursuits and properly equipped to operate in areas such as parks, laneways and open spaces.
I also raised concerns following a major alarm at a chemical storage facility in Damastown. Residents heard the alarm but received no information about what was happening or what they should do. I have sought answers from Fingal County Council and Dublin Fire Brigade about security, emergency planning, communication and community preparedness.
🛴 Protecting Children
The scale of injuries caused by e-scooter crashes is deeply concerning.
Six children were in intensive care within a two-week period following e-scooter crashes, while many more have suffered life-changing injuries.
I have continued to press for stronger action and raised the issue in the Dáil and at the Justice Committee. The Government needs to ensure that the legislation, resources and enforcement arrangements are capable of protecting children and keeping dangerous vehicles off our roads.
🚧 Local Infrastructure
Fingal County Council confirmed that work is progressing towards a temporary , subject to funding. A permanent parking solution will also be considered as part of future park planning.
I was also pleased to see work begin on the cycle lane following concerns Cllr. Breda Hanaphy raised at the Area Committee. Improving the condition of our footpaths and cycle lanes is important for everyone using them.
Waterways Ireland has also submitted plans to upgrade the pathway between the 7th and 10th locks, which will improve the Royal Canal amenity.
🏥 Healthcare and Education
I supported campaigners living with who highlighted the lack of access in Ireland to a treatment available to patients in other European countries. Following their campaign, there was a victory for those affected.
I also continued to highlight the cost of attending Connolly Hospital, particularly parking charges for patients and visitors.
Education costs are another growing concern for families. I raised the issue of so-called and the increasing cost of digital devices, with some costing more than €400. Government funding must ensure that families are not left carrying excessive costs for their children's education.
💶 Cost of Living
Families continue to face significant pressure from the cost of food, energy, transport and education.
At the end of August, the Dáil was recalled over proposed increases in petrol and diesel taxes. While the increases were delayed, they have not been permanently removed.
People need certainty about household costs. I will continue raising the impact of fuel, food and energy prices and the wider cost-of-living pressures facing workers and families.
🌿 Supporting Our Community
It was another busy summer across Dublin 15, with tremendous activity from local volunteers and organisations.
I attended community events including the Corduff FC community day, Hartstown Park's picnic, Clonee United mini leagues, local GAA events, Blanchfest and activities at Huntstown Community Centre.
The Royal Canal clean-up group also continued its regular work. It is encouraging to see less rubbish being dumped along the canal, and a huge thank you to everyone who gives their time to keep this important local amenity clean.
The strength of our community comes from the people who volunteer, coach, organise events and support local families.
🏃 Community Spirit
Marathon training has progressed with long runs of 21km, 23.5km, 24km and 30km. Running with local clubs has been a great reminder of the importance of encouragement and community spirit, particularly when the kilometres get longer.
🏛️ My Work in the Dáil
Alongside constituency work, I continued raising national issues in Leinster House.
These included Garda resources and community safety, healthcare access, education costs, fuel taxation, recycling, migration, copyright protection for Irish artists and Ireland's response to international humanitarian issues.
Irish unity also remained an important part of my political work, including engagement with communities and activists around the future constitutional arrangements for Ireland.
As always, my priority is ensuring that the concerns raised by people across Dublin West are brought directly to the Dáil.
🔭 Looking Ahead
Over the coming months, my priorities will remain focused on:
➡️ Tackling illegal scramblers, e-bikes and e-scooters.
➡️ Improving local roads, footpaths and cycling infrastructure.
➡️ Supporting better access to healthcare and education.
➡️ Fighting the continuing cost-of-living pressures facing families.
➡️ Supporting our local clubs, volunteers and community organisations.
➡️ Protecting the Royal Canal and our local environment.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support, suggestions and engagement.
📬 GET IN TOUCH
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/
