Cllr. Eoin O'Driscoll

Author: eoinodr

  • 70 social homes in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown reactivated from vacancy in 2024 – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

    Investment of €6,633,857 has helped bring 532 homes back into use in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown as part of the Governments Voids Programme since 2014, Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll has said.

    Cllr. O’Driscoll said that the Government is making more efficient use of our existing housing stock, which will bring more homes back into active use in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

    “The Voids Programme supports local authorities in making vacant homes ready for re-letting and works to tackle vacancy and dereliction to ensure vacant properties are re-used for housing.

    “Bringing vacant housing back into use across towns and villages is essential to help ease pressure on the existing housing stock. It will boost supply and deliver much-needed social homes, while rejuvenating our towns.

    “No one wants to see empty buildings in their towns or villages that could be used as homes, so it’s fantastic to see 70 buildings being brought back into use for social housing in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council this year.

    “Overall, 2,357 vacant social homes nationally were brought back into active use in 2024 under the Voids Programme.

    “Since 2014 there has been 532 houses brought back into use in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. showing the success of the programme since its introduction.

    “I would like to thank Dún Laognaire-Rathdown County Council for their hard work in returning these homes to use in 2024, and this will make a real difference to the lives of the 70 households in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown I encourage them to keep being proactive in returning vacant properties for use in the Voids Programme.

    “Fine Gael is committed to increasing the housing supply and revitalising our communities by bringing vacant homes back into use”, concluded Councillor O’Driscoll

    ENDS

  • National policy on housing options will support older people in Stillorgan – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

    A new national policy on housing options for older people will ensure older people in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown have appropriate housing to suit their needs, said Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll.

    Fine Gael Councillor O’Driscoll has welcomed news Minister for Older People Kieran O’Donnell has set up a working group in the Department of Housing to identify a list of actions to support increased delivery of housing for older people, including measures to support them to rightsize, where they wish to do so. It will complete its work by the end of next month.

    Some areas the group will investigate will include:

    • Flexibility on planning rules to allow for a home to be adapted or extended to include a separate self-contained kitchen and living quarters to suit the changing needs of an older person.
    • Asking lenders to look at bridging finance for older people to rightsize where they would not normally be approved for a mortgage but want to buy a more suitable home for their needs before the sale of their existing home has concluded.
    • Mandate local authorities to find suitable sites for housing specifically designed for older adults, ensuring accessible options within local communities, including brownfield sites.

    Councillor O’Driscoll said: “Irish people are living longer and we want to make it easier for people to continue to live at home as they grow older, including adapting their existing homes. But we also know that this may not always be the older person’s preferred option and we need to look at ways of helping people to rightsize if this is their choice.

    ENDS

  • €880,000 in grants paid out to bring homes in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown back to use – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

    27 Vacant Property Refurbishment grant applications have been approved in <County>, which has brought more homes back into residential use, Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll (Stillorgan) has said.

    Councillor O’Driscoll said that the grant is supporting people across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to bring these vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes.

    “The Vacant Property Refurbishment grant was introduced to help bring derelict properties back to life as affordable homes. So far in 2025, €880,000 in grants have been drawn down in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. A total of €5,449,158 has been issued on completion of works in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown since the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched in 2022.

    “We can see the number of grants being paid out continuing to rise significantly each quarter as works on properties are completed. It’s fantastic to see so many people in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown availing of this grant.

    “27 applications have been approved in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and I hope to see a continued increase in approved applications throughout 2025.

    “Across the country, €112.5 million has been paid out since the grant was launched in July 2022, showing the importance of the scheme.

    “The grant helps repurpose the buildings we already have, so we are boosting available accommodation whilst also rejuvenating our towns and urban centres.

    “Fine Gael is committed to helping more people in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown own their own home and increasing supply is key to achieving that. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant helps bring buildings back into use and revitalises our communities.

    ENDS

  • Proposed Tourist Tax is bad for tourism, bad for business and bad for Dublin

    “I am strongly opposed to the proposed tourist tax on hotel guests in Dublin.

    “Irish tourism is experiencing a difficult period. Local Authorities should be spending their time identifying ways to attract more tourists and support local businesses not penalise them.

    “We should not forget that tourists already contribute significant revenue to the State. We already tax their spending here through VAT and significant Alcohol Products Tax.

    “The proposed measure would discourage tourists from Dublin and place further pressure on our hotels, which are already dealing with significant cost pressures.

    “I am in local politics to support our local businesses. I want to see more tourists in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, staying in our great hotels, eating in our wonderful restaurants and buying in our shops.

    “The proposed tourist tax is bad for tourism, bad for business and bad for Dublin”.

  • Cllr. O’Driscoll welcomes announcement of additional dog wardens for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

    Following queries from Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll, at the March Full Council meeting of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, officials confirmed that two new dog wardens will be appointed in the Council area.

    According to Cllr. O’Driscoll, “The appointment of two additional dog wardens for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is a welcome decision by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

    “The Council has confirmed that there were no fines issues for dog fouling in 2024. This follows a number of years (2020-23) where only a single fine was issued annually. Unfortunately, this lack of fines does not reflect a lack of dog fouling in the county area but rather a lack of enforcement.

    “Dog fouling is a serious issue. Not just in terms of litter but health and safety, particularly in parks used for play by children.

    “It is very welcome that the Council are addressing this issue through the addition of two new dog wardens for the county and I look forward to more effective enforcement in the coming period.

  • New grants available for music education in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown schools – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

    New grants are available for music education in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown schools, and local music groups and organisations should apply, Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll has said.

    Councillor O’Driscoll, has encouraged local groups to apply for the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme, which was announced by the Minister for Education, Helen McEntee TD.

    O’Driscoll said, “The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme is now open for applications to help organisations provide music education in schools.

    “A total of €100,000 is available in grants which allow organisations with limited or no access to other forms of public funding to pay for music classes, instruments and other equipment.

    “This Scheme has helped children’s choirs, concert bands, brass bands, folk orchestras, uilleann pipers and more. It is targeted at smaller organisations involved in non-mainstream music education and community music initiatives who cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

    “I encourage Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown music groups and organisations with a track record in music education or community and youth-based music projects, to apply. These grants can help them provide invaluable music education to children in our local schools.”

    Minister McEntee said: “It is vital that we provide our children and young learners with every opportunity to express themselves and show their creativity. Music education is one of the many holistic ways in which we can support children and young people in our communities to achieve their full potential.

    “Today I am announcing a total grant fund of €100,000 which will enable organisations to continue to make music classes available to children and young people in their communities so they can have the chance to express themselves and explore their creativity while developing new skills.”

    Interested and eligible organisations are invited to make their applications for grant funding under the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2025 by 10 April 2025.

    Click here for the application form.

  • Councillor O’Driscoll calls for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to urgently pursue reopening of Glenalbyn Swimming pool

    At the February meeting of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll called on the Council Executive to urgently pursue the reopening of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool. Subsequently, this call was backed by a number of Councillors from all sides of the Chamber.

    Cllr. O’Driscoll said “It is clear, based on evidence presented by the Council Executive this evening, that community and club demand is simply not being met by existing, or planned, swimming pool provision within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

    “Glenalbyn Swimming Pool was closed down over a decade ago. The local population has increased significantly since then but the important local amenity has not been replaced.

    “I have called Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to pursue the re-opening of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool as an urgent priority. Failing its successful re-opening, a new site must be identified and plans progressed rapidly. Stillorgan needs a swimming pool.”

  • Eoin O’Driscoll co-opted to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

    Eoin O’Driscoll has been co-opted to replace Maeve O’Connell on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council following her election to Dáil Éireann. Eoin will serve as a Councillor representing Stillorgan.

    Eoin is 32-years old and recently married. He works as a communications consultant and is passionate about using local politics to support our community to thrive.

    Eoin previously worked as a Parliamentary Assistant to Josepha Madigan (then Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht); Political Adviser to the Irish Mission to the United Nations; human rights observer in Palestine; and at the European Parliament.

    “I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve on Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and to join our strong local Fine Gael team led by our TDs Neale Richmond and Maeve O’Connell”, Eoin said.

    “My focus will be on ensuring that community is prioritised and that our local government better listens to and address local need. I promise to work hard and do everything I can to support the community here in Stillorgan in my new role as Councillor”.

  • Funding needed for more local playgrounds and other outdoor recreation amenities  – Eoin O’Driscoll

    An increase in funding is needed to deliver more playgrounds that will benefit communities in Churchtown and throughout Dún Laoghaire Rathdown, Eoin O’Driscoll has said.

    Local Election Candidate Eoin O’Driscoll is calling for more funding from Government to help Dún Laoghaire Rathdown meet the cost of large-scale new playground projects and also to expand and upgrade existing playgrounds.

    O’Driscoll said: “There is currently no play facilities for children in Churchtown. With many more young families moving into the area, this needs to be addressed urgently.

    “There is a major need also for outdoor recreation facilities for all ages. We are blessed with abundant green areas in our community, the delivery of park benches and other simple amenities to provide areas for people to come together and interact as a community are really important – particularly for young families and older people.

    “If elected as your Councillor on 7th June, I will be a champion for playgrounds, outdoor recreation amenities and community facilities. Our local government needs to do more to promote community.

    “As a local representative, I know how important these spaces are in terms of physical and mental well-being for the whole family.

    “The Department of Rural and Community Development provides significant funding towards the establishment and improvement of playgrounds through various schemes that it operates.

    “The Capital Grant and Play Recreation scheme operated by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Youth, supports Local Authorities in improving access to quality play and recreation facilities within our communities.

    “It offers funding of up to €18,000 per project, with a total of €450,000 awarded to 29 councils last year.

    “However, this funding is contingent on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council matching funding of at least 25% of the amount provided by the department, which could be a barrier particularly as construction and material costs are on the rise.

    “This is why more funding is required from Government with an increased cap for project awards to ensure Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council can deliver playgrounds and play spaces where they are needed.

    “Concerns have been expressed regarding equipment in some public playgrounds falling into disrepair and upgrading or replacing these pieces can be challenging and some councils can find it difficult getting projects off the ground.

    “This is why a boost in funding and a change to the criteria for the Play and Recreation Scheme would be ideal.

    “Playgrounds are vital spaces for our children and families and Fine Gael is committed to their future development and to delivering stronger and safer communities”.

  • 3,911 Local businesses should act now and apply for grant to help with increased costs – Eoin O’Driscoll

    3,911 Local businesses should act now and apply for grant to help with increased costs – Eoin O’Driscoll

    Business in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown should act now and apply for a once-off Government grant to help them meet rising costs, Fine Gael Local Area Representative for Dundrum, Eoin O’Driscoll has said. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

    O’Driscoll urged Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, that is currently administering the scheme on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to proactively engage with businesses and allow them to apply for the scheme beyond the May 1st deadline.

    O’Driscoll said: “This €257 million scheme was announced in Budget 2024 by my colleague, former Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, and will provide a real boost to micro businesses and small and medium enterprises here in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

    “In Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, 3,911 eligible businesses have yet to make a submission for the scheme and I would urge them to do so through the online portal at dlrcoco.ie. If they need assistance, businesses can also contact Dún Laoghaire- Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Rathdown County Council, which have written to all rate payers with a Customer ID and pin.

    “The deadline of May 1st for businesses to confirm their eligibility and upload verification details is fast approaching in a couple of weeks on May 1st, and I would like to see this deadline extended to ensure they benefit from this vital support.

    “For businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of less than €10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023. For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.

    “There should also be pro-active direct email engagement by Local authorities and Local Enterprise Offices to ensure that entrepreneurs and business owners in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council get a portion of their rates back.

    “I am also pleased that Taoiseach Simon Harris and Enterprise Minister Peter Burke are working with Government colleagues to examine what additional supports can be provided to small and medium businesses, ahead of Budget 2025,”

    “Fine Gael is the party of small business. We know small businesses are at the heart of our local communities and economies. We also are aware of the pressure businesses are under, and we want to help,” O’Driscoll concluded.

    Minister Burke said: “This grant is a vital measure aimed at providing key funding to our small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.

    “It is my priority and a key priority of this government to assist our businesses with any increase in costs they are facing to ensure they can continue to play a pivotal role in our local economy.”

    ENDS

    Notes to Editor:

    The increased cost to business (ICOB) grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023. 

    • For businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of less than €10,000, the grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023.
    • For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the grant will be €5,000.
    • Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not eligible to receive an ICOB grant.

    Essentially, a business will get a payment of 50% of their 2023 rates bill or €5,000, whichever is the lesser.

    So far, only 1,067 submissions have been made for the grant in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown our of 4,978 potentially eligible businesses.

    Businesses simply register on dlrcoco.ie.

    Examples

    • A hairdresser with a rates bill of €8,000 per year will receive a payment of €4,000.
    • A restaurant owner with a rates bill of €12,000 per year will receive €5,000