Author: eoinodr

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll – January 2026 Update

1. Local Community Safety Partnership Launched

I was pleased last week to join local gardaí, representatives of local residents’ associations and fellow Councillors to launch the new Local Community Safety Partnership for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. This is an important initiative to improve safety and security in our local communities.

Over the coming months, we will be developing a specific Local Community Safety Plan for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council so that local government, gardaí and local residents can work together to support local safety.

Please do get in touch if there are any issues, views or ideas you would like to feed in to this process.

• Parking Fees at Stillorgan Village

Following the implementation of parking fees in Stillorgan Village late last year, I was pleased, alongside your local Fine Gael team, to welcome Minister for Enterprise Peter  Burke and Minister of State for Retail Alan Dillon to Stillorgan Village to meet a number of affected businesses.

The introduction of parking charges just before Christmas, without sufficient consultation, was extremely disappointing. It is clear talking to businesses operating in the centre that these new charges are having a significant, negative impact on business.

I am also very concerned about the impact of these charges in undermining the important role that the shopping centre serves as a hub for the community here in Stillorgan. The imposition of these parking charges has, unfortunately, erected a barrier between the Shopping Centre and the local community which is deeply regrettable and I hope will be seriously reconsidered.

The visit by our Fine Gael ministers for enterprise to our local shopping centre demonstrates our party’s commitment to supporting the local businesses at the heart of our community.

I will continue to work with local businesses, our strong local Fine Gael team, and Fine Gael in government to try and develop a solution that supports local businesses and the community.

• Stillorgan Library

Construction continues on the new Stillorgan Library. Currently handover is scheduled for Q1 2026 which will then allow for the commencement of fit-out.

The furniture and shelving tender issued and is currently being reviewed with the intention to award shortly. Following award, it is anticipated that there may be a 12-week procurement period for some items of furniture, particularly library shelving.

IT installation and the stocking of library shelves will also be required. There may be some overlap between the furniture fit out and DLR fit out, but this would depend on the selected supplier’s fit out programme and timelines for procurement of shelving. A schedule of work for the wind-down of the temporary library in Stillorgan has also been developed.

• Two new classes for children with special educational needs in Stillorgan

Two new special classes will be introduced to schools in Stillorgan in the 2026/2027 academic years to support children with special educational needs. New special classes will be introduced in St. Benildus College and St. Laurence’s Boys’ National School.

The additional classes are a significant step to supporting children with special educational needs and their families in Stillorgan.

The provision of these additional special education classes will have a hugely positive impact on children with special educational needs and their families here in Stillorgan and reflects the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton and Fine Gael’s commitment to inclusive education and ensuring every child with special educational needs receives the support they deserve.

In my capacity as Fine Gael’s Disability Champion on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, I look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Naughton to improve local provision for children with special educational needs and their families.

• Clonmore Park

Following last year’s consultation, a tender to design and deliver planned upgrade works for Clonmore Parl Playground is currently being considered by officials in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Once the winning tender is chosen, the winning design will be put on public display alongside an expected date of completion. I expect to be able to provide a further update on this over the coming months and will work with fellow Councillors to ensure that this is delivered, as previously committed, in advance of summer 2026.

The Council have also carried out extensive cutting back of vegetation at the Wesbury end of the park in preparation for a new path link that has been agreed with the residents and included on the current Parks Path Improvement Programme. The Council has also removed a number of large dead trees from this area and are hoping to engage with the residents there in the coming weeks in relation to community woodland planting.

• Stillorgan Village Area Framework

Phase 4A of the Stillorgan Village Urban Framework Plan, which comprises public realm and road improvement works along Old Dublin Road between Saint Lawrence’s Park and the entrance to Stillorgan College of Further Education, is currently at the detailed design stage.

On completion of this stage, it is anticipated that a contractor will be appointed, with construction works expected to commence on site in early Q2 2026.

Upon completion of the Phase 4A tender process, it is proposed to progress the development of a preliminary design for Phases 3 and 4B, which will be brought forward for public consultation and will focus on works along Kilmacud Road Lower, The Hill, and Old Dublin Road.

• Foxrock Walkability Survey

Following a number of interventions I have made at the Council over the past months, I am pleased to confirm that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will conduct an Age Friendly walkability audit in conjunction with Age Friendly Ireland in March of this year.

The survey will identify potential interventions to assist in ensuring that the village is as accessible as possible for all. Once completed, I will be maintaining the pressure to ensure that the interventions identified are implemented.

• Planning Approval  for Dundrum Central Development will deliver 934 homes

Planning approval was granted late last year for the development 934 homes and amenities at the former Central Mental Hospital site. The site will deliver 753 affordable and cost rental homes alongside 181 social homes. The homes will be a mix of apartments, duplexes and houses to cater to a wide range of needs. This development will play an important role in providing much needed new homes in the area.

• Apply now – Local Enhancement Funding

Government has allocated €203,922.40 for the Community Enhancement Programme in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group is eligible to apply.

Projects may include:

• Refurbishment of community centres
• Accessibility improvements
• Parks, playgrounds, and public realm upgrades
• Youth clubs and sports facilities
• Energy efficiency improvements
• ICT equipment and biodiversity projects

Applications are now open. For full details on eligibility and how to apply, visit https://submit.link/4rc

1. In the media
2. ​Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll welcomes Fine Gael Ministers for Enterprise to Stillorgan Village alongside local Fine Gael team(Dublin Gazette, 29^th January)
3. Rejection of Mercosur is a major strategic mistake – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll (Dublin People, 9^th January)

13% more children in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown benefitting from National Childcare Scheme – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

The number of children in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown benefitting from reduced childcare and early learning services has increased, Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll has said.

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll said that there has been a significant increase in the number of children and families benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme throughout the country.

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll explained: “Subsidies within the scheme substantially reduce the cost of early learning and childcare and I’m very pleased that a total of around 245,000 children benefitted from the scheme in 2025 nationally, a 12% increase on around 218,000 children who benefitted from the scheme in 2024.

“In our own county of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown 12,046 children benefitted from the scheme last year, an increase of 13% on 2024. The increase in uptake reflects Fine Gael in Government’s continued investment in the early learning and childcare sector, including a 53% increase in the minimum hourly National Childcare Scheme subsidy from September 2024.”

“This is welcome progress that we need to build on. I am well aware that we need significantly more childcare facilities in the local area I represent, Stillorgan, and across the county. We need to do better at supporting local families and I will continue to work hard with my Fine Gael colleagues at a local and national level to increase childcare provision within our community.

The National Childcare Scheme has undergone a significant number of enhancements in recent years and new, lower maximum fee changes for families paying the highest prices and higher subsidies for lower income families are on the way in September.

“Access to affordable quality childcare remains a huge concern for families and it’s essential that we build on the momentum of the reduced fees to fulfil the Programme for Government’s commitment to develop an early childhood education and care system, with State-led facilities adding capacity.”

ENDS

Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll welcomes allocation of over €20m for Active Travel and Public Transport Investment in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

The National Transport Authority have today announced over €20 million in funding for investment in Active Travel across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (see here). The majority of this money €18,450,000 was allocated for Active Travel investment with a further €1,500,000 to improve local bus infrastructure. Smaller amounts were allocated to support the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan (€48,800) and for Study to determine the best use of Dublin Eastern Bypass Reservation (DEBP) Area (€44,490)

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll welcomed this investment saying “the allocation of over €20m from the National Transport Authority to support investment into Active Travel and Public Transport in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown will greatly benefit our local community. It provides a great opportunity to significantly improve how we travel throughout the county.

“What is important now is that Councillors, like myself, work together with Council officials to ensure that this money is invested effectively to best serve and support local communities.

“I am particularly pleased to see significant funding allocated to improve local bus infrastructure. There is a clear need for improving bus services locally and I look forward to working to ensure that this investment results in real improvements locally.

Two new classes for children with special educational needs in Stillorgan – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

Two new special classes will be introduced to schools in Stillorgan in the 2026/2027 academic years to support children with special educational needs, Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll has said. New special classes will be introduced in St. Benildus College and St. Laurence’s Boys’ National School.

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll said the additional classes are a significant step to supporting children with special educational needs and their families in Stillorgan

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll explained: “There has been a very significant growth in demand for special school and special class places in recent years. This is an estimated 25% of the total student population, or 240,000 children and young people with special educational needs, that are supported in mainstream classes.”

Budget 2026 provides over €3 billion in funding for special education. This increased funding will allow schools recruit additional teaching and SNA staff to provide another 3,000 new special class and special school places. This is the largest annual funding provision for new special education placements and builds on the accelerated delivery of new special class and special school places over recent years.

“The provision of these additional special education classes will have a hugely positive impact on children with special educational needs and their families here in Stillorgan and reflects the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton and Fine Gael’s commitment to inclusive education and ensuring every child with special educational needs receives the support they deserve.

In my capacity as Fine Gael’s Disability Champion on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, I look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Naughton to improve local provision for children with special educational needs and their families.” Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll concluded.

Ends

Rejection of Mercosur is a major strategic mistake for Ireland

The Government’s decision to vote against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement is the wrong decision for Ireland, says Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll.

“It is very disappointing that the Irish government has decided to vote against the Mercosur trade agreement.

“The Irish economy is one of the world’s most open and export-oriented.  High-value exports are the main driver of Irish economic growth and prosperity. One in three Irish jobs is supported by Irish and EU global exports. Therefore, we are particularly reliant on an open, rule-based global trading regime.

“The global shift away from free trade is a real concern for Ireland. Ireland should be a leading voice for free trade and expanded trade agreements within the European Union. Ensuring our continued access to global markets is essential to maintain our prosperity.

“While it was important that our government and TDs fought hard to secure significant concessions as good a deal as possible for specific Irish sectoral interests – including Irish beef farmers – we should be wholeheartedly supporting the overall agreement.

“Ireland needs to take a more strategic view of its stance on trade. In the current geopolitical climate, we cannot afford to take populist decisions against free trade agreements that are integral to supporting our export-reliant economy.

“Fine Gael in government should be stepping up to extol the benefits of free trade to our economy and pushing other Member States to bring agreed trade agreements into effect as soon as possible. We need to put the long-term national good above narrow sectoral interests”.

ENDS

Sources

The Sectoral Impacts of Tariffs and Trade Fragmentation in the Irish Economy | Central Bank of Ireland

Key players in Ireland’s pharmaceutical manufacturing space | IDA Ireland

Factsheet: EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement: Ireland – Trade and Economic Security

Rejection of Mercosur is a major strategic mistake for Ireland – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

The Government’s decision to vote against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement is the wrong decision for Ireland, says Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll.

“It is very disappointing that the Irish government has decided to vote against the Mercosur trade agreement.

“The Irish economy is one of the world’s most open and export-oriented.  High-value exports are the main driver of Irish economic growth and prosperity. One in three Irish jobs is supported by Irish and EU global exports. Therefore, we are particularly reliant on an open, rule-based global trading regime.

“The global shift away from free trade is a real concern for Ireland. Ireland should be a leading voice for free trade and expanded trade agreements within the European Union. Ensuring our continued access to global markets is essential to maintain our prosperity.

“While it was important that our government and TDs fought hard to secure significant concessions as good a deal as possible for specific Irish sectoral interests – including Irish beef farmers – we should be wholeheartedly supporting the overall agreement.

“Ireland needs to take a more strategic view of its stance on trade. In the current geopolitical climate, we cannot afford to take populist decisions against free trade agreements that are integral to supporting our export-reliant economy.

“Fine Gael in government should be stepping up to extol the benefits of free trade to our economy and pushing other Member States to bring agreed trade agreements into effect as soon as possible. We need to put the long-term national good above narrow sectoral interests”.

ENDS

Sources

The Sectoral Impacts of Tariffs and Trade Fragmentation in the Irish Economy | Central Bank of Ireland

Key players in Ireland’s pharmaceutical manufacturing space | IDA Ireland

Factsheet: EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement: Ireland – Trade and Economic Security

November / December Update – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

1. Budget 2025

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council passed its 2026 Budget amounting to  €313.7m representing a 12% increase on Budget 2025. The expansionary budget, passed with the support of the Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil governing group will provide for a significant uplift in the provision of services for our local community.

There was a particular focus on increase maintenance budgets which should facilitate better service delivery locally, including –

• Grass cutting – €450,000
• Tree care – €400,000
• Grass Pitch Maintenance – €135,000
• All-weather pitch maintenance – €250,000

Other increased budget lines I want to highlight are –

• Arts Grant funding has more than doubled to €226,000
• Climate Action Plan Phase 2 – €883,000
• New books and digital library services – €65,000

I look forward to working hard to getting these additional resources working efficiently and effectively for local communities.

• 12 New Local Gardaí

12 new Gardaí have been allocated to our area (via Dundrum Garda Station). This is a significant increase in local policing resources following the launch last year, by then-Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, of a major new recruitment drive for An Garda Síochána. 

The 12 new Gardaí, which are due to start working locally by the end of the month, represent the single biggest increase in Garda resourcing for the local area. The increased Garda resources should facilitate increased Garda presence on the beat and increased enforcement – particularly on issues such as anti-social behaviour, traffic and parking violations. 

• Community Safety Partnership

I had the honour of being elected by my fellow Councillors to join The Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP). This  is a newly established initiative aimed at enhancing community safety across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown by placing local voices at the heart of decision-making. The partnership will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders including local councillors, An Garda Síochána, community groups, businesses, educators, and statutory agencies such as the HSE, Tusla, and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

I look forward to kicking off work with the Partnership in the new year to support community safety initiatives locally.

I will continue my work on the Local Policing Forum, so please do get in touch if there are any matters I can support you with regarding local policing/community safety.

• Stillorgan Library

Budget 2026 also provided full funding for the new Stillorgan Library. This is on track to open in Q1 2026.

It will be a fantastic facility for our local community and I greatly look forward to its opening in the new year.

• Cabinteely Greenway

The consultation on the Cabinteely Greenway closed last week, 11^th December 2025.

The Greenway should be a positive community amenity but it is integral that it is progressed with full, meaningful engagement with local residents. I have received significant feedback on the proposals which I look forward to reviewing in detail, alongside the results of the consultation, in the new year.

I will be working to ensure that local residents’ feedback is fully taken into account and the Greenway is designed and delivered to best support local need.

• EU Committee of the Regions – Housing Working Group

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to represent Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council at the EU Committee of the Regions. This brought together local representatives from across Europe to discuss issues of common concern to local government, share best practices and identify potential solutions to shared problems.

Of particular interest, I took part in the launch of the European People’s Party Housing Working Group at the Committee of the Regions. With access to affordable, suitable housing posing a major problem across Europe, this Working Group should provide a good opportunity to work together and bring some new ideas back to our respective local authorities to help build more homes locally.

• Trad Fest

I have raised on a number of occasions my disappointment that in previous years Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has been the one local authority in Dublin that has not taken part in TradFest – Ireland’s largest traditional music festival.

Therefore, I am pleased that it has been confirmed that the county will host a number of events as part of TradFest 2026 on a trial basis. While the events are all on the east side of the county in 2026, if the trial is successful, TradFest 2027 and beyond will offer great opportunities to bring more people to heritage sites in our area to enjoy some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians.

You can find out more about next year’s events in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown here: 2026 Artist Lineup | TradFest Dublin

• Open Consultations

Proposed Variation No. 1 to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council – Citizen Space

Deadline 26^th January 2026

Environment: Green Dog Walkers Pledge – Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council – Citizen Space

Deadline 31^st December 2025

• In the Media
• Dublin’s Q102: Parking Charges in Stillorgan Village shopping centre
• Dublin Gazette: Major strides being made to protect children in Dublin online – Eoin O’Driscoll
• Dublin Gazette: Local children receive free book bags – Eoin O’Driscoll

Major strides being made to protect children in Dublin online – Eoin O’Driscoll

Fine Gael’s wants to secure young people in Dublin future with plan for age verification for accessing online sites, Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll (Fine Gael – Stillorgan) has said.

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll said new steps are being taken to introduce age verification to better protect children in Dublin online.

“Fine Gael and my colleague Minister Patrick O’Donovan, want to secure our children’s future.

“Parents are doing their part in trying to protect their children from online dangers like pornography, cyberbullying and harmful algorithms that can lead to exploitation.

“Recently we’ve seen huge strides in online safety and it’s whole-of-Government priority.

“A recent Fine Gael Online Safety Survey gathered the views of more than 2,200 parents and guardians across the country. It found that there is overwhelming support for age limits and verifications. This report highlighted the issues and now we want to address them.

“The government is developing a trusted age-verification tool through the digital wallet to ensure only adults can access adult content.

“The new digital wallet will soon be launched and will be used to confirm ages of internet users, making sure platforms like YouTube and Instagram are properly held to account.

“On top of age verification, Fine Gael has also allocated €6m to schools across the country to help keep them smartphone free, including €1,216,325.00 allocated to benefit 95 schools across Dublin.

“We’re supporting safer school environments with mobile-phone restrictions, that will reduce distraction, improve wellbeing and support teachers.

“Our Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton has been working with schools, teachers, parents and students. Safer screens mean secure futures.

“Significant progress is being made at EU level, including major fines for non-compliance with online safety rules. When Ireland assumes the EU Presidency in 2026, we have a chance to take the lead on this important issue and deliver stronger protection measures for children.

“Protecting our children online is a key priority for Fine Gael and we have taken big steps to ensure parents in Dublin aren’t left to handle this on their own,” concluded Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

1,566  young children in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown have benefited from free book bag – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

Children across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown have benefitted from a free book bag as part of the Little Library Initiative, Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll has said.

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll said the books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and as Gaeilge, has supported parents and their children in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in the transition to primary school.

“I’m delighted to see so many children in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown benefit from the My Little Library initiative.

“The scheme seeks to build strong links between young children, their families and their local library.

“These books and stories help each child prepare for this big step in transitioning to primary school. Books are a great way of helping parents support their children with their early language and literacy development.

“Across the country, almost 40,000 young children have benefited from the Little Library initiative this year.

“Nearly 20,000 children across Ireland will also join the library this year because of the My Little Library initiative.

“There is still a small number of Little Library book bags in libraires around the country for any five- and six-year-olds who have still to collect their bag. I encourage all remaining families to avail of this initiative and to join the library,” concluded Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll welcomes allocation of 12 new Gardaí to Dundrum Garda Station 

12^th November 2025 

Local Gardaí confirmed last night, at a public meeting of the Dundrum/Stillorgan Local Policing Forum that 12 new Gardaí will be appointed to Dundrum Garda Station. 

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll, member of the Local Policing Forum, said “I greatly welcome the announcement that 12 new Gardaí will be allocated to Dundrum Garda Station. This is a significant increase in local policing resources following the launch last year, by then-Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, of a major new recruitment drive for An Garda Síochána. 

“The 12 new Gardaí, which are due to start working locally by the end of the month, represent the single biggest increase in Garda resourcing for the local area. The increased Garda resources should facilitate increased Garda presence on the beat and increased enforcement – particularly on issues such as anti-social behaviour, traffic and parking violations. 

“I look forward to working with local Gardaí and local residents through the Local Policing Forum to support safe, secure local communities.” 

ENDS