A Voice for Dublin West –
Defending Our Neutrality, Supporting Workers and Building Stronger Communities
Dear Constituent,
September and October have been about defending Irish neutrality and standing with the people of Garvaghy Road to fight the cost-of-living crisis and challenge major development plans; my focus remains on building a fairer Ireland and stronger communities.
In this newsletter, I’ll update you on:
✅ Defending Irish neutrality and the triple lock.
✅ Standing in solidarity with Garvaghy Road.
✅ Fighting the cost-of-living crisis and supporting workers
✅ Challenging the Dunsink Urban Plan.
✅ Supporting communities and improving local facilities.
🇮🇪 Defending Irish Neutrality
Defending Ireland's neutrality has been a major focus over the past two months. I have repeatedly challenged Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over their attempts to bring Ireland closer to NATO and a European army through increased military cooperation.
The commitments made during the Nice and Lisbon treaty referendums, particularly around the triple lock, must be respected. In September, thousands marched to defend Irish neutrality, while in October the Dáil approved the first stage of legislation removing the UN-authorisation requirement from the triple lock, defeating opposition attempts to preserve it.
The people must have their say. If the Government wants to change Ireland's position, it must be open and transparent and bring the matter to a referendum. Our neutrality must not be weakened through the back door.
✊ Standing with Garvaghy Road
I was proud to stand alongside the people of Garvaghy Road following the decision to permit an unwanted Orange Order march through their community after 29 years of peace.
The solidarity demonstration was extraordinary, with an estimated 15,000 people travelling from across Ireland to support residents. I also travelled to Portadown and attended an emergency community meeting.
This was about the right of a community to live in peace and dignity, free from intimidation. The history of civil rights movements reminds us that unjust decisions must be challenged. I want to thank everyone who travelled to show their support. We will continue to stand with Garvaghy Road.
💶 Putting Workers and Families First
The cost-of-living crisis continues to place enormous pressure on families, with rising energy bills, heating oil, rents and everyday expenses. Sinn Féin’s alternative Budget 2027 sets out practical measures to reduce household costs, tackle child poverty and ensure wealthy landlords, developers and financial institutions pay their fair share.
I have continued to challenge the Government over the carbon tax on home heating oil. Despite repeated Sinn Féin proposals to scrap it, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have refused, while recent increases in heating oil prices have wiped out the proposed €43 reduction.
I was also proud to stand with public sector workers during the October strike. Workers across Dublin West, including in schools, local authorities, Dublin Fire Brigade, Youthreach, TU Dublin and Connolly Hospital, made clear their demand for fair pay and respect. These workers deserve a Government that listens.
🏘️ Dunsink: Infrastructure Must Come Alongside Housing
The proposed Dunsink Urban Plan will have a major impact on communities across Dublin West and North Dublin. I support social and affordable housing, but essential infrastructure must be delivered alongside it, not years later.
Alongside Sinn Féin colleagues, I attended community meetings in Castleknock and at Elmgreen Golf Club, raising concerns about inadequate public transport, limited parking, water infrastructure and poor coordination between local authorities and State agencies. The proposed Luas connection remains uncertain, the Shannon pipeline is needed for future development, and the Tolka Valley must be protected as an important biodiversity area.
Sinn Féin has submitted 240 motions to strengthen the plan. We will continue working with local communities to ensure development is properly supported by the infrastructure they need.
🌿 Supporting Our Communities
There have been welcome improvements to local facilities, including investment in the Millennium Park games areas to address flooding and new benches, planting and pathways in Mulhuddart Village. Following engagement with the Central Bank, an ATM has also been installed in Tesco, although I will continue to raise concerns about withdrawal limits and charges.
I remain disappointed by the decision to grant planning permission for the Mountview Family Hub, particularly given community objections and Fingal County Council’s position. I also want to congratulate Huntstown Community Centre on its 25th anniversary and recognise local organisations working to tackle food poverty and support families.
Community safety and wellbeing remain priorities. I have raised concerns about drug debt intimidation, the need for better-funded mental health services and legislation to tackle drink spiking. Families deserve to feel safe in their homes and supported in their communities.
🏃 Community Spirit
It was another busy period supporting local activities, including Hartstown and Porterstown parkrun, Clonsilla Tidy Towns, local football clubs and community events. It is always great to see the dedication of the volunteers and groups who help bring our communities together.
I was also delighted to complete the Dublin City Marathon in 4 hours and 17 minutes. It was a fantastic experience and a real test of endurance.
A huge thank you to Clonsilla Running Club, the volunteers and the thousands of supporters who lined the streets. Their encouragement and support made the day truly special.
🔭 Looking Ahead
My priorities remain clear:
➡️ Defending Irish neutrality and the triple lock.
➡️ Fighting the cost-of-living crisis.
➡️ Ensuring infrastructure is delivered alongside housing.
➡️ Supporting workers and improving public services.
➡️ Building safer, stronger and more connected communities.
Thank you for your continued support 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/
