Fianna Fáil outlines Priorities for Dublin

​Fianna Fáil is today highlighting the party’s policy priorities for Dublin.  Measures outlined in A Dublin for All are aimed at tackling crime and homelessness, and improving health and transport services.

The party is committed to sustained provision of social housing. Highlighting how the construction of new social housing units in Dublin has plummeted by 90% in just four years, Fianna Fáil is aiming to deliver 15,500 social homes for Dublin over the next five years.

Rent Supplement levels will be increased by 10% to support vulnerable households. This measure will be of particular benefit in Dublin where rents are higher.

Dublin Spokesperson Darragh O’Brien said: “To tackle crime Fianna Fáil is committed to having an additional 700 gardaí deployed in the capital.  In relation to the seven garda stations in Dublin closed under the current government, Fianna Fáil will seek a Garda Inspectorate report on the station areas to gauge the impact of the closures and make recommendations on whether stations should be re-opened or in the case of the building being sold, a new station established.

“We will also get tough on burglars. Parts of the capital have seen a jump of almost 80% in recorded burglaries over the past two years.  We will have mandatory sentences for repeat burglary offenders.  We will also establish a dedicated Dublin City Centre Garda Public Order Unit to combat drug dealing and anti-social behaviour on the capital’s main commercial streets.

“In health, some 46% of the national waiting list for hospital treatment is centred on Dublin’s hospitals.  They are under enormous pressure.  The restoration and reactivation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund is being proposed to bring about reductions in waiting times.  3,261 are waiting more than a year, almost three times as many as when Leo Varadkar became Minister for Health.

“Our proposals also include nurse-led community intervention teams in every local health area in Dublin and an extra 500,000 home help hours.

“We believe how our capital city is governed is major issue.  It has the potential to impact traffic management, policing, public transport and community supports.  That’s why we want to give Dubliners a say on whether they want a directly elected mayor.

“Fianna Fáil will oppose any forced mergers being imposed on the capital’s institutes of technology, develop a 1916 Historical Quarter and establish a “Culture Trail” in the city to enhance Dublin’s offering to tourists.”