Qtr 2 June 2025 Paul Donnelly TD Newsletter

30.06.25 09:55 AM

Standing Up for Our Community 
– Housing, Rights & Local Wins

Dear Constituent,


I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well. Over the past three months, I’ve continued to raise your concerns both locally and in the Dáil. Our community is facing serious challenges – from the housing crisis and cost of living, to education, health, and the treatment of vulnerable people. But we've also seen inspiring community events, sporting success, and collective action that show the strength and spirit of Dublin West.

In this newsletter, I’ll update you on:

 Housing Crisis – Exposing government failures and demanding real solutions for families and renters

 Community Protection – Fighting misinformation, rejecting hate, and standing up for vulnerable groups

 Education Access – Campaigning for school places, resources, and new facilities for all children

 Cost of Living – Highlighting government mismanagement and calling for fairer economic policies

 Local Highlights – Celebrating community events, sports successes, and local achievements



 Housing: A National Emergency


Housing remains the number one issue affecting families across Dublin West. I’ve repeatedly raised the dysfunction of the current housing system, from boarded-up council homes and rising rents, to the slashing of the Tenant In Situ scheme and homelessness.

  • Over 3,000 council homes lie empty while families struggle to find accommodation.

  • Landlords are evicting families to increase rents, some doubling from €1,300 to €2,200.

  • Rent caps are being scrapped – a move that will only benefit landlords and worsen the crisis.

 We need a radical change in housing policy – homes must be built and kept in public ownership, and existing schemes properly funded.


Joined the fight: Many of you stood with us at the Raise the Roof protest on June 17th, where thousands called for real change. Let's keep the pressure on.


 Protecting Our Communities and Services


Whether it's IPAS centres or homeless hubs, I have always committed to providing factual, honest updates and standing against hate and misinformation.

  • The Mill Road IPAS centre is closing due to welfare and compliance concerns – residents are being relocated with support.
  • A proposed homeless hub in Mountview is still going through planning. I will keep you fully informed and support local families in need of secure housing.
Let’s reject racism and division. I’ve seen far-right elements spread lies and hate—this must be called out. Our community deserves dignity, not division

 Education: Every Child Deserves a Place


Parents continue to fight for appropriate school places, especially for children with additional needs. This is unacceptable.

  • I’ve raised this repeatedly with the Department of Education.

  • I met with INTO members about school supports and funding.

A highlight this month was the confirmation of a brand-new school building for Scoil Oilibhéar – a huge step forward for Irish-medium education in our area.


 Cost of Living and Government Mismanagement


Families are under pressure, and this government continues to show just how economically illiterate they are.

  • Up to €180,000 per year is being spent on private emergency housing per family, while homes that could be bought outright for a fraction of that remain boarded up.

  • Students are paying €800+ monthly in rent, often forced to leave on weekends to make way for tourist lets.

  • A new apartment in Dublin is now €4,900 a month – completely unaffordable for workers and families.

This is not policy – it’s a disgrace.

 Social Media Abuse & Gendered Harms


In June, I was deeply disturbed to learn about the exposure of thousands of images of Irish women and girls online without their consent, accompanied by vile comments and personal information.

  • Social media companies must be held accountable.

  • I’ve called for government action and legal reform.

The State should not profit from corporate tax while ignoring corporate abuse.


 Neutrality, Peace, and United Ireland


As Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael move to dismantle protections around our neutrality, I’ve been clear: Ireland must stay out of EU military alliances.


We must:

  • Defend the triple lock.

  • Push for a citizens' assembly on Irish Unity – the demographic momentum is clear, and we must prepare now, not wait.


 Community and Sporting Highlights


Among the challenges, our community spirit shines through:

  • Clonee United, Mountview Boys & Girls FC, and local clubs hosted brilliant end-of-season events.

  • The Castleknock 5k saw hundreds take part – great energy and support from the community!

  • I was honoured to attend anniversaries and commemorations at Scoil Oilibhéar, Our Lady Immaculate Darndale, and Bodenstown.



📢 Let’s Keep Fighting Back

We've seen:

Tens of thousands are raising their voices for housing.
Parents are demanding education rights.
Communities coming together to reject hate.

Now is the time to change this government. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have failed on every front. Sinn Féin is committed to building a fairer, more equal Ireland where every child has a home, every worker has a future, and no one is left behind.

📬 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
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Constituency Office:  Unit 1, Parkside, Phase 2, Mulhuddart Village, Dublin 15. D15 P97Y
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Email: paul.donnelly@oir.ie
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Follow me on social media: https://www.facebook.com/PaulDonnellySF/



Paul Donnelly

Paul Donnelly

Sinn Féin T.D. | Vote 1 DONNELLY, Paul
https://www.pauldonnellytd.ie/

Fighting for affordable housing, better healthcare, and community development across Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Mulhuddart, Clonsilla, Ongar, Tyrrelstown, Hollystown and all of Dublin West.