Stillorgan & Dundrum Families to See Childcare Relief with New Fee Caps
Families across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown are set to see a hard cap placed on early learning and childcare fees starting this September, a move welcomed by local Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll.
The upcoming measures mean that roughly 12% of childcare providers will be legally required to reduce at least one of their fees to meet the new maximum limits. For the majority of local parents, the existing fee freeze—first introduced in 2022—will remain firmly in place, keeping fees stable.
“Childcare is often the single biggest monthly bill landing on a kitchen table, and it places massive pressure on families in Stillorgan, Cabinteely, Dundrum, and across the county” Cllr O’Driscoll said.
“At its core, a strong society is built from the ground up, starting with the family. When we talk about supporting families in our community, this is what it looks like in practice. Lowering these fees means giving parents—especially those with young children—the flexibility and autonomy to balance their careers with family life, without being priced out of their own neighbourhoods. It’s about empowering families to make the choices that are best for them, rather than having those choices dictated by financial strain.”
The changes are backed by a €90 million national increase in Core Funding for early years providers, bringing the total budget to €480 million. Cllr O’Driscoll emphasised that this model reflects a core commitment to supporting local, independent services.
“True public service means supporting institutions at the level closest to the community. Our local providers and educators—many of them small, independent, or community-led services—have done an incredible job maintaining high-quality care under tight financial pressures.
“Instead of a top-down, state-run bureaucracy, this funding boost respects and sustains our existing local childcare ecosystem. It will help lower costs for parents while protecting the independence and viability of our local creches and preschools.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Appendix
Table 1: Core Funding Fee Caps
Fee Band
Hours per week
Maximum weekly fee for New Partner Services in 2024/2025
Maximum weekly fee for Partner Services in 2025/2026
Maximum weekly fee for Partner Services in 2026/2027
Band A
Less than 10 hours
€65
€59
€56
Band B
Between 10 hours and 19 hours 59 minutes
€130
€118
€112
Band C
Between 20 hours and 29 hours 59 minutes
€195
€177
€168
Band D
Between 30 hours and 39 hours 59 minutes
€260
€236
€224
Band E
Between 40 hours and 49 hours 59 minutes
€325
€295
€280
Band F
50 or more hours
€390
€354
€336
Table 2: Core Funding Base Rates
Prior to Core Funding there was no comparable scheme/s that was underpinned by the ‘staffed capacity’ principle which is fundamental to the Core Funding scheme. Set out below is the aggregate monthly base rate per child place offered (on a full time, part time and school age basis), which varies by age. This excludes funding for graduate premiums and the Staffing Funding Additional Contribution, as well as the targeted measures.
Age range
Core Funding monthly base rate payment by the state per child prior to Core Funding (2021/2023)
Core Funding monthly base rate payment by the state per child in Year 1 (2022/2023)
Core Funding monthly base rate payment by the state per child in Year 5 (2026/2027)
Percentage change in monthly base rate between Year 1 and Year 5
Full-time service (45 hours per week,)
0 to 1 years
€0.00
€323.70
€391.95
21%
1 to 2 years
€0.00
€208.65
€274.95
32%
2 to 3 years
€0.00
€179.40
€239.85
34%
3 to 6 years
€0.00
€132.60
€173.55
31%
Part-time service (20 hours per week,)
0 to 1 years
€0.00
€143.87
€174.20
21%
1 to 2 years
€0.00
€92.73
€122.20
32%
2 to 3 years
€0.00
€79.73
€106.60
34%
3 to 6 years
€0.00
€58.93
€77.13
31%
Sessional (15 hours per week,
0 to 1 years
€0.00
€78.85
€95.48
21%
1 to 2.5 years
€0.00
€50.83
€66.98
32%
2.5 to 6 years
€0.00
€30.88
€40.38
31%
School-age (Term Time: 20 hours per week,)
4 to 15 years
€0.00
€34.83
€39.27
13%
School-age (Out of Term: 40 hours per week,)
4 to 15 years
€0.00
€18.33
€20.67
13%
Table 3: Year 5 targeted measures in 2026/2027
Targeted Measure
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Flat rate top up for sessional-only
–
€4,075
€5,000
€5,000
€5,000
Minimum allocation
–
€8,150
€14,000
€14,400
€14,400
Maximum allocation
–
€600,000
€500,000
€450,000
€450,000
Ring-fenced funding to support improvements in staff pay
For 2025/2026, the Department €45 million in a full year, to support employers to meet the costs of further increases to the minimum rates of pay in the sector.
This facilitated the development of a new funding element – the Staff Funding Additional Contribution (SFAC) to centre-based services. This measure was designed to support Core Funding Partner Services to meet the the costs of increasing rates of pay because of new Employment Regulation Orders negotiated by the Joint Labour Committee.
For Programme Year 5, an additional funding allocation – up to a maximum of €45 million – has been secured to support further Employment Regulations Orders from September 2026/2027, contingent on negotiations by the independent Joint Labour Committee. A second grant will be designed to distribute the new funding. The calculation of the new rates will include Graduate Lead Educator hours.
The most significant local issue this month was the decision by the DLR County Council Executive to remove the long-promised swimming pool at Glenalbyn from the three-year Capital Programme. The old Glenalbyn pool closed in 2013, and for years €10 million had been ringfenced by the Council for its redevelopment. That commitment has now been abandoned by the Executive.
This is a deeply disappointing decision that goes directly against the expressed wishes of local elected representatives and the community. There is strong cross-party support among councillors for restoring a pool to the Glenalbyn site, and I have joined colleagues in demanding that the Executive reconsider. I will continue to press this case strongly.
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I spoke about this issue on Dublin’s Q102 last week —
There is also a broader issue of democratic principle here. The Capital Programme allocates over €1.5 billion of taxpayers’ money and was drawn up without meaningful input from elected councillors. That is not good enough. Local residents rightly expect their views to be represented in decisions of this scale.
Clonmore Park Playground — Works delayed
Upgrade works on the Clonmore Park playground were due to commencemid-May. I have been informed that the contractor has now pushed the start date to the end of June — meaning the park will be out of use for prime summer weeks. This is extremely disappointing and I am continuing to press the Council to bring that date forward.
Community Safety Update
I have been pleased to see a visible increase in Garda presence in our area in recent weeks, with a number of high-profile community policing operations locally. This kind of visible, active presence matters enormously to residents and I will continue to advocate for its continuation.
For homeowners aged 65 and over, DLR’s High Security Locks Scheme 2026 is now open for applications, providing support for the upgrade of external door locks to high-security anti-snap cylinders. [LINK]
Record Housing Completions in Q1 2026
349 new households joined our community in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in the first three months of 2026 — the strongest national start to a year since 2011. These are real families who now have a home to call their own, and it is a reminder that the work being done on housing delivery is producing results, even as we know more remains to be done.
Have Your Say — Active Consultations
Lehaunstown Lane, Dublin 18 — DLR is consulting on a proposed development of 109 new homes on Council-owned land, comprising one, two, and three-bedroom homes in buildings of two to four storeys. Submissions are open until 10 July 2026. [LINK]
Mobility Hubs — DLR has launched a Part 8 statutory consultation on plans for a network of 73 shared mobility hubs across the county as part of a national pilot programme. If you have views on proposed locations in our area, now is the time to submit them. [LINK]
Community Notices
Tidy Districts 2026 — DLR has launched its annual Tidy Districts Competition and is inviting community groups to get involved. A great opportunity for residents’ associations to showcase what makes our neighbourhoods special. [LINK]
Free Book Bags for Pre-School Children — Children completing the ECCE pre-school programme this summer are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag as part of the My Little Library Initiative. The bags contain books to keep and resources for parents supporting the transition to primary school, available in English and as Gaeilge, throughout the summer.
DLR Heritage Collections Now Online – DLR County Council has digitised and published the collections of the La Touche Family, Joseph McGrath and Thomas Cullen — discovered in Marlay and Cabinteely Houses — and made them freely available through the Digital Repository of Ireland. These collections represent two remarkable eras of Irish life and are well worth exploring. [LINK]
Young children in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to get free book bag – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll
Children leaving pre-school in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag on starting school as part of the Little Library Initiative, a Fine Gael Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll has said.
Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll has said that the books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and ‘as Gaeilge’, will support parents and their children in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in the transition to primary school.
“From Friday, 8th May all children completing the Government funded pre-school programme (Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme) and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library and pick up a book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer,” Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll explained.
“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.”
Acknowledging the central role of the national library service in ensuring the success of the initiative, Fine Gael Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer said: “I warmly welcome the launch of the 2026 My Little Library Initiative. I’ve visited so many libraries around the country in the last year, and I know that our public library staff nationwide share my enthusiasm for connecting young families with our excellent national library service.”
Since the initiative was rolled out for the first time in 2022, tens of thousands of young children have picked up their book bags and joined their local library. Last year alone, 20,000 young children benefited from the initiative and became library members.
“The bag contains books for the children to keep, with topics such as starting school, making friends and big emotions. It also has some very useful information for parents on supporting that start in primary school and what’s on offer at each local library,” concluded Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll.
Dublin Today with Elizabeth Hearst on Dublins Q102
Cllr. O’Driscoll slams Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown decision to remove Glenalbyn Swimming Pool from Capital Programme
Monday, 11th May 2026
This evening, the Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council presented its Three-Year Capital Programme (2026-28). The programme does not include provision for the return of a swimming pool at the Glenalbyn site.
The old pool was closed in 2013. For the last number of years it was included as a pipeline project by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council with €10m ringfenced for the site’s redevelopment.
Local Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll (Fine Gael) said that “The Executive’s decision to end its plans for a new swimming pool at Glenalbyn are deeply disappointing.
“There has been clear demonstrated cross-party support amongst elected Councillors for the redevelopment of a swimming pool at the Glenalbyn site. The Executive’s decision goes directly against the expressed views of elected representatives and the local community.
“There is strong local demand and need for a swimming pool to return to the Glenalbyn site. I firmly disagree with the decision taken by the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Executive on this issue. Along with other Councillors tonight, I have asked the Executive to reconsider this decision. We need a swimming pool for Stillorgan”.
Cllr. O’Driscoll continued “The effective exclusion of elected Councillors from the development of the Capital Programme reflects a serious democratic deficit in local government. Local residents rightly expect their views to be reflected, through input from their local representatives, in major decisions by the Council.
“The Capital Programme allocates over €1.5 billion of taxpayers’ money. It has not been developed with any substantive democratic input. We need to look, at a national legislative level, to change how these decisions are made and give meaningful powers to our local representatives to make the decisions local residents expect of us.”
349 New Households Join Our Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Community in Early 2026 – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll
The steady growth in new home completions during the first three months of this year is a heartening sign of the progress we are making together, according to Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll.
Reflecting on the record number of homes finished in January, February, and March, Cllr. O’Driscoll noted that the momentum in local housing delivery is providing more than just structures—it is providing the foundation for flourishing neighborhoods.
“It is truly wonderful to welcome 349 new households to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. This isn’t just about supply figures; it’s about the people—our neighbors, young couples, and growing families—who now have the security of their own front door,” said Cllr. O’Driscoll.
“Every new key handed over represents a person or family who can now plant deep roots in our local area, contributing to the vibrant life of our community. We have a shared responsibility to ensure that everyone has a place to call home, and these figures show that our commitment to one another is yielding real results.”
Nationally, 7,856 new dwellings were completed in the first quarter, marking the strongest start to a year since 2011. The figures show a balanced approach to development, with 52% being scheme dwellings, 30% apartments, and 18% single homes.
“While we celebrate this progress, we remain mindful of the work still ahead of us. We are dedicated to stewarding our resources wisely and continuing to ramp up delivery so that more people can experience the stability of homeownership right here in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
“Fine Gael is working hard to keep this momentum going, ensuring that our growth is sustainable and that we continue to build a community where everyone can thrive. Today’s figures are a promising step forward for our county and the country as a whole,” concluded Cllr. O’Driscoll.
This month, our biggest job on the Council was the variation of our County Development Plan. This is a very important planning document that outlines our approach to planning across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
The purpose of the variation was to zone more land in response to update housing targets from central government. These reflect anticipated population growth locally and throughout the country.
The variation was hotly debated over a number of meetings but I am pleased that we were able to rezone a significant amount of new land to facilitate our meeting, and potentially exceeding, our new housing targets with an additional 500 homes per year – five thousand over the coming decade.
This rezoning is critical to helping build more homes locally and revitalising our communities.
Alongside the increased rezoning of residential land, we are planning for significantly improved local infrastructure including transport, schools, and green areas. We need to build homes, but we also need to build communities—places where people can live well, with access to transport, schools, and local amenities. Good planning is about getting that balance right.
Now we have to work to make sure that these new plans translate into more homes.
2. Clonmore Park Upgrade Works to commence 18th May
It is great to see the planned upgrade works for Clonmore Park proceed. This is an important asset for the local community and it has been a top priority of mine since I became a Councillor.
Work on the upgrade playground is due to commence 18th May and will include exciting new play facilities.
· A new junior play area
· Zip-wire
· Multi-play unit
· Basketball hoop
The works will also deliver a calisthenics area, new drainage and improved surfaces. The works are expected to take 8 weeks and the park will be close for that time.
This is a very positive development that will allow so that members of the community of all ages to continue to enjoy the park for years to come.
Earlier this year, I secured cross-party support from fellow Councillors for a motion on the need to resurface the pedestrian and cycle paths throughout the park. As a result, I expect the works to be included in the next Parks Path Improvement Programme.
3. New Special Classes announced for Dublin Rathdown
As Fine Gael’s Disabilities Champion on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and as a member of the party’s Disability Network, I was pleased to welcome the announcement, earlier this month, by Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, of 40 new special classes and 5 inclusive special classes for the 2026/2027 school year.
I particularly welcome confirmation that new special classes will be established in two local schools for the 2026/2027 school year: Our Lady’s Grove and Ballinteer Girls National School.
This is a very positive development for families locally. Increasing capacity in our schools is essential to ensuring that children can access the supports they need within their own community.
I have been liaising directly with Minister Naughton and will continue to work locally to support the expansion of special education provision and to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Each inclusive special class will receive funding for:
· 1 teacher (or 1.5 teachers at post‑primary level)
· 2 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
· Extra capitation funding
· Access to training and support from the NCSE
Schools will also receive:
· A €30,000 start‑up grant for furniture and equipment
· Funding for minor building works or repurposing works, where needed
4. Upgrading local water drainage infrastructure
As you are likely well aware, there is a significant issue locally with the ability of outdated wastewater networks to deal with the combination of high population growth and increased rainfall. This risk was particularly brought to light during Storm Chandra.
I have engaged directly with Uisce Éireann on this issue over recent months and passed a motion at the Council to prioritise network upgrade works to ensure that our water infrastructure is able to cater for our growing population and increasing risk of extreme weather events.
Uisce Éireann have acknowledged the need for particular work in the Stillorgan/Sandyford area to remove storm water from the foul and combined networks. They have prepared 3 separate schemes to provide additional capacity in the wastewater network. These schemes are increasing the capacity of local networks through up sizing and new pipe work and will also require a storm water holding tank to provide additional capacity to the combined network during rainfall events. These schemes are at Detailed Design stage with the expectation to be delivered in 2030.
5. Retaining Two Way Access to Brennanstown Road
As part of the Variation to the County Development Plan, I was pleased to co-sign a motion, alongside local Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil colleagues, to include a new Specific Local Objective for Brennanstown Road which will require the Council to progress the upgrade of the road to facilitate long-term two way traffic on the road within 18-24 months of the implementation of the planned Traffic Management Scheme for the road.
The will ensure that full two-way traffic along the full length of Brennanstown Road will be restored in a timely manner and ensured for the long-term.
6. 349 New Homes Built in Dublin Rathdown in Q1 2026
The government have announced that 349 new homes have been built in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in Q1 2026. This reflects the strongest first quarter nationally for new housing figures since 2011 with 7,856 new homes delivered across the country.
Building new homes locally is critical in addressing the severe housing supply crisis – which is particularly acute in our area. I will continue to work with my Fine Gael colleagues to prioritise home building and making homes available to buy. Buying a home is not just about a place to live but is critical to building and revitalising communities.
7. Energy Grants
With geopolitical events driving higher energy prices, I encourage you to look into the various grants available to help improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce energy costs.
Grants currently available include:
Attic insulation: up to €2,000 (€2,500 for first-time buyers)
This month, our biggest job on the Council was the variation of our County Development Plan. This is a very important planning document that outlines our approach to planning across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
The purpose of the variation was to zone more land in response to update housing targets from central government. These reflect anticipated population growth locally and throughout the country.
The variation was hotly debated over a number of meetings but I am pleased that we were able to rezone a significant amount of new land to facilitate our meeting, and potentially exceeding, our new housing targets with an additional 500 homes per year – five thousand over the coming decade.
This rezoning is critical to helping build more homes locally and revitalising our communities.
Alongside the increased rezoning of residential land, we are planning for significantly improved local infrastructure including transport, schools, and green areas. We need to build homes, but we also need to build communities—places where people can live well, with access to transport, schools, and local amenities. Good planning is about getting that balance right.
Now we have to work to make sure that these new plans translate into more homes.
2. Clonmore Park Upgrade Works to commence 18th May
It is great to see the planned upgrade works for Clonmore Park proceed. This is an important asset for the local community and it has been a top priority of mine since I became a Councillor.
Work on the upgrade playground is due to commence 18th May and will include exciting new play facilities.
· A new junior play area
· Zip-wire
· Multi-play unit
· Basketball hoop
The works will also deliver a calisthenics area, new drainage and improved surfaces. The works are expected to take 8 weeks and the park will be close for that time.
This is a very positive development that will allow so that members of the community of all ages to continue to enjoy the park for years to come.
Earlier this year, I secured cross-party support from fellow Councillors for a motion on the need to resurface the pedestrian and cycle paths throughout the park. As a result, I expect the works to be included in the next Parks Path Improvement Programme.
3. New Special Classes announced for Dublin Rathdown
As Fine Gael’s Disabilities Champion on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and as a member of the party’s Disability Network, I was pleased to welcome the announcement, earlier this month, by Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, of 40 new special classes and 5 inclusive special classes for the 2026/2027 school year.
I particularly welcome confirmation that new special classes will be established in two local schools for the 2026/2027 school year: Our Lady’s Grove and Ballinteer Girls National School.
This is a very positive development for families locally. Increasing capacity in our schools is essential to ensuring that children can access the supports they need within their own community.
I have been liaising directly with Minister Naughton and will continue to work locally to support the expansion of special education provision and to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Each inclusive special class will receive funding for:
· 1 teacher (or 1.5 teachers at post‑primary level)
· 2 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
· Extra capitation funding
· Access to training and support from the NCSE
Schools will also receive:
· A €30,000 start‑up grant for furniture and equipment
· Funding for minor building works or repurposing works, where needed
4. Upgrading local water drainage infrastructure
As you are likely well aware, there is a significant issue locally with the ability of outdated wastewater networks to deal with the combination of high population growth and increased rainfall. This risk was particularly brought to light during Storm Chandra.
I have engaged directly with Uisce Éireann on this issue over recent months and passed a motion at the Council to prioritise network upgrade works to ensure that our water infrastructure is able to cater for our growing population and increasing risk of extreme weather events.
Uisce Éireann have acknowledged the need for particular work in the Stillorgan/Sandyford area to remove storm water from the foul and combined networks. They have prepared 3 separate schemes to provide additional capacity in the wastewater network. These schemes are increasing the capacity of local networks through up sizing and new pipe work and will also require a storm water holding tank to provide additional capacity to the combined network during rainfall events. These schemes are at Detailed Design stage with the expectation to be delivered in 2030.
5. Retaining Two Way Access to Brennanstown Road
As part of the Variation to the County Development Plan, I was pleased to co-sign a motion, alongside local Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil colleagues, to include a new Specific Local Objective for Brennanstown Road which will require the Council to progress the upgrade of the road to facilitate long-term two way traffic on the road within 18-24 months of the implementation of the planned Traffic Management Scheme for the road.
The will ensure that full two-way traffic along the full length of Brennanstown Road will be restored in a timely manner and ensured for the long-term.
6. 349 New Homes Built in Dublin Rathdown in Q1 2026
The government have announced that 349 new homes have been built in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in Q1 2026. This reflects the strongest first quarter nationally for new housing figures since 2011 with 7,856 new homes delivered across the country.
Building new homes locally is critical in addressing the severe housing supply crisis – which is particularly acute in our area. I will continue to work with my Fine Gael colleagues to prioritise home building and making homes available to buy. Buying a home is not just about a place to live but is critical to building and revitalising communities.
7. Energy Grants
With geopolitical events driving higher energy prices, I encourage you to look into the various grants available to help improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce energy costs.
Grants currently available include:
Attic insulation: up to €2,000 (€2,500 for first-time buyers)
It is great to see the planned upgrade works for Clonmore Park proceed. This is an important asset for the local community and it has been a top priority of mine since I became a Councillor.
Work on the upgrade playground is due to commence 18th May and will include exciting new play facilities.
· A new junior play area
· Zip-wire
· Multi-play unit
· Basketball hoop
The works will also deliver a calisthenics area, new drainage and improved surfaces. The works are expected to take 8 weeks and the park will be close for that time.
This is a very positive development that will allow so that members of the community of all ages to continue to enjoy the park for years to come.
Earlier this year, I secured cross-party support from fellow Councillors for a motion on the need to resurface the pedestrian and cycle paths throughout the park. As a result, I expect the works to be included in the next Parks Path Improvement Programme.
People in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown encouraged to avail of grants to lower energy bills – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll
Households across Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown are being encouraged to consider the range of Government-backed grants available to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce energy costs, Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll has said.
The call follows new figures showing a significant increase in applications for Energy Upgrade Grants, with over 29,000 applications processed in the first quarter of 2026 – an increase of 96% on the same period last year.
Speaking today, Cllr. O’Driscoll said:
“Many households are still feeling the pressure of high energy costs, and it’s important that people are aware of the practical supports that are available to them.
“Measures like attic insulation, improved windows and doors, heat pumps or solar panels are not just environmental choices – they are sensible investments in the comfort, efficiency and long-term affordability of our homes.
“There is also a wider responsibility here. Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is part of how we care for our shared environment, while ensuring that families are not carrying unnecessary costs.”
The latest figures include over 1,730 applications for attic insulation (up 81%), more than 1,000 for cavity wall insulation (up 62%), over 350 for heat pump installations (up 95%), more than 7,000 for new windows and doors, and over 10,000 for Solar PV systems (up 65%). In addition, more than 1,500 homes at risk of energy poverty have been upgraded under the Warmer Homes Scheme to the end of March, at an average cost of €31,000 per home.
Grants currently available include:
Attic insulation: up to €2,000 (€2,500 for first-time buyers)
Wall insulation: up to €8,000
Windows: up to €4,000 / Doors: up to €1,600
Heat pump system: up to €12,500
Heating controls: up to €700
Solar PV: up to €1,800
Solar thermal (hot water): up to €1,200
Cllr. O’Driscoll also highlighted the Warmer Homes Scheme, which provides free energy upgrades to vulnerable homeowners, including those in receipt of Fuel Allowance.
“The Warmer Homes Scheme reflects an important principle – that those who are most vulnerable should be supported first.
“It provides free upgrades such as insulation, draught-proofing, energy-efficient lighting and, where needed, new heating systems and windows. I would encourage anyone who may qualify to make contact with my office, and we will assist them in accessing this support.
“Public policy works best when it meets people where they are. These schemes are designed to do exactly that – to support households in a practical way, strengthen communities, and ensure that no one is left behind.”
New Special Classes announced for Dublin Rathdown – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll
Wednesday, 15th April 2026
Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, of 40 new special classes and 5 inclusive special classes for the 2026/2027 school year.
Cllr. O’Driscoll (Fine Gael, Stillorgan) said: “Today’s announcement represents further delivery by Fine Gael in Government on its commitment to expand provision for children with special educational needs.
“As Fine Gael’s Disabilities Champion on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and as a member of the party’s Disability Network, I particularly welcome confirmation that new special classes will be established in two local schools for the 2026/2027 school year: Our Lady’s Grove and Ballinteer Girls National School.
“This is a very positive development for families locally. Increasing capacity in our schools is essential to ensuring that children can access the supports they need within their own community.
“I will continue to work locally to support the expansion of special education provision and to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Each inclusive special class will receive funding for:
1 teacher (or 1.5 teachers at post‑primary level)
2 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
Extra capitation funding
Access to training and support from the NCSE
Schools will also receive:
A €30,000 start‑up grant for furniture and equipment
Funding for minor building works or repurposing works, where needed
Earlier this month, I joined fellow Councillors in voting to progress the Cherrywood Planning Scheme. Cherrywood is a critical strategic development for south Dublin and particularly Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. It is a landmark development landmark strategic development for Dublin: a new town with 10,500 new homes, providing housing for c.26,000 people and supporting c.22,000 jobs locally.
Cherrywood will support expected rapid population growth within the county, providing a planned town effectively integrated with transport infrastructure, supported by state-of-the-art community facilities and a vibrant town centre.
It is exciting also that the plan for Cherrywood could facilitate the delivery of Ireland’s first purpose-built winter sports and entertainment arena. This an ambitious project that will be a major national asset, attracting visitors from across Ireland and beyond to Cherrywood.
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2. Wastewater Upgrades – Stillorgan
Following Strom Chandra, assessment by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s Water Services team highlighted severe risks associated with outdated waster water systems in Stillorgan. I have been working with officials to address this issue urgently and ensure that we are best prepared locally for future extreme weather events.
I brought forward a motion on the issue, securing support from my fellow Councils, and secured commitment from officials to hold a detailed briefing on the issue later this year after Uisce Éireann have had time to further progress their analysis of the local waster water system.
However, as Uisce Éireann’s plans to upgrade across the water system will take some time to be implemented, I am continuing to press Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to explore every possible mechanism to implement interim measures to mitigate against short-to-medium term risks.
3. Community Safety Update
Through my roles on the Local Community Safety Partnership and Local Policing Forum, I have been engaged with local Gardaí to promote and enhance community safety locally.
I was briefed on the positive impact that the allocation of new Gardaí late last year is having on local policing, particularly in supporting increased high-impact, high-visibility uniformed patrols targeted not only at detecting and disrupting crime but critically, deterring and preventing crime before it happens. Operations Saul (focused on public transport) and Táirge (targeting retail) are ongoing and more Gardaí have been allocated to Roads Policing which should lead to more and better enforcement.
You can read more about the Community Safety Partnership here.
4. Road Safety – Schools
We need to ensure the safety of children going to and from school. That is why I am pleased to have confirm a number of planned interventions to improve road safety around local schools.
Front of school works, including bollards, signing and lining have been confirmed for Mount Anville National School, Kilmacud; St, Brigid’s Boys National School, Foxrock; and Our Lady’s Grove Goatstown.
Officials have confirmed that they plan to instal a “Children Crossing” sign in front of Children’s House Primary School, Stillorgan, following a number of requests from concerned parents.
5. Cabinteely Greenway
Earlier this month, the Council voted to approve the plan for Cabinteely Greenway. I was pleased to propose the compromise proposal which will deliver critical new cycling and walking infrastructure, connecting Cabinteely Park to Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone, while protecting community green space.
6. Fine Gael Disability Network
Earlier this year, I attended the launch of Fine Gael’s Disability Network with Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton and Minister for Disability. Emer Higgins. The network seeks to better connect people living with disabilities, advocates and carers with elected representatives to inform policy-making.
I am pleased to take part as Fine Gael’s Disability Champion on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and work to effectively implement Ireland’s National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People at a local level.
7. Gaeilge 365: Níl Deireadh le Seachtain na Gaeilge i nDLR
Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge thart, ach i nDLR táimid ag iarraidh an t-athrú seo a chur i bhfeidhm inár gcur chuige: an fhéile a úsáid chun gníomhaíochtaí agus tionscnaimh a sheoladh a chuireann úsáid na Gaeilge chun cinn go háitiúil i rith na bliana – go háirithe lasmuigh den chóras oideachais fhoirmiúil.
Chun timpeallacht a chruthú i nDLR a thacaíonn le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge, tá Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge ceaptha ag an gComhairle, mar chuid de chlár Gaeilge 365.
I measc na mórthionscnamh tá:
Cóitseáil Gaeilge do bhaill foirne i nDLR.
Dul i dteagmháil leis na Ranna chun na seirbhísí Gaeilge a fheabhsú a chuireann siad ar fáil.
Tacú le Leabharlann Dhún Droma tríd an Leabharlann Fháilteach – is é DLR an t-údarás áitiúil ceannais don tionscnamh seo, chun tacú le foireann na leabharlainne dul i dteagmháil leis an bpobal trí Ghaeilge.
8. Clonmore Park
Council officials have confirmed that a contract has been awarded for the project to upgrade Clonmore Park playground. Work is expected to begin in mid-May with works expected to be completed by mid-July 2026.
At a Council meeting earlier this year, I secured cross-party support from fellow Councillors for a motion on the need to resurface the pedestrian and cycle paths throughout the park. As a result, I expect the works to be included in the next Parks Path Improvement Programme.
9. Stillorgan Library
Construction and fit-out continues on the new Stillorgan Library. Due to inclement weather and associated issues, handover is currently scheduled for the beginning of Q2 2026, which will then allow for the commencement of loose furniture/shelving fit-out.
10. Kilmacud Men’s Shed
Through a motion, I secured re-commitment from Council officials to support Kilmacud Men’s Shed. Council community staff are actively engaging with the Shed to provide support for their ongoing plans and activities, including a scoping exercise of potential permanent sites for their activities.
Cllr. Eoin O'Driscoll 
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