DUBLIN Nuacht Bhaile NEDUBLINWS NEWS Átha Cliath www.sinnfein.ie Earrach 2017 ‘Let’s lift and “The mass movement led by the Right2Water campaign forced the Government to back down Ireland’ on water charges. The battle is not over yet and MARY LOU McDONALD we must ensure that the charges are gone and gone for good” has shown that people want effective action now to end the housing crisis. The growing A NEW VISION for Dublin and for Ireland support for Sinn Féin and others seeking real based on equality and the determination to es even for the few modest homes that are political and social change shows that a new put in place practical solutions in our grossly available in Dublin. This must end.” direction is possible.” unequal society are now essential, according She said that the Government had Setting out key priorities for Sinn Féin in to Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou Mc- “merely paid lip service” to the promise of the months ahead, Mary Lou McDonald said Donald TD. the 1916 Proclamation to ensure “equal the party in Dublin and across Ireland is de- “The people of Dublin voted for change rights and equal opportunities” for all termined to push for: in 2016 but instead in 2017 we have got a citizens. “The right to a home and the • Real solutions to the Housing Crisis -led Government propped up by right to healthcare are the most basic through State funding for social and Fianna Fáil and implementing the same of rights yet are being denied to our affordable housing construction failed policies that have caused misery and people.” by the four Councils in the Dublin division, making the wealthiest wealthier and penalising the majority of people on region. low and middle incomes”, says Mary Lou HOUSING CRISIS • Rent certainty and enhanced rights McDonald. However, Mary Lou McDonald is for tenants in the private rented Pointing to the Housing Crisis, Deputy Mc- hopeful that real change is com- sector; more support and protection Donald said it is a “gross scandal”. She said: ing. “The mass movement led by the for people in mortgage distress. “As we ended the Centenary year of the Right2Water campaign forced the Gov- • Complete abolition of domestic 1916 Rising we saw more families with chil- ernment to back down on water charges. water charges. dren than ever before in emergency ac- The battle is not over yet and we • Recruitment of additional staff in commodation, more people than ever on must ensure that the charges our public health services, including Council housing waiting lists, peo- are gone and gone for primary care and hospital care, to ple in mortgage distress still good. Likewise struggling and with no relief the huge pub- address the recurring crises in our from the State, rising private lic support hospitals. rents crucifying tenants, for the Home Mary McDonald concludes: “We urge Dub- and working people un- Sweet Home liners to join us in this challenge. Bí linn i Sinn able to afford mortgag- campaign Féin.”

Dublin Sinn Féin MEP • • Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown DÁIL AND Lynn SINN FÉIN ON SEANAD THE COUNCILS SINN FÉIN Boylan • County Council • Fingal TEAM enian F Risingth Éirí150 Amach Fenian Rising DUBLIN th 2 NEDUBLINWS NEWS 150 www.sinnfein.ieÉirí Amach SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL enian F Rising

É1irí5 Amach0 150th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION

• Sinn Féin on South Dublin County Council: (left to right) Cllrs Dermot Richardson, , Brendan Fearon, Louise Dunne, Jonathan Graham, Cathal King, Enda Fanning, Cora McCann, Danny O'Brien and Sarah Holland, with Senator PROGRESSIVE BUDGET PASSED FOR 2017 South Dublin County Council’s Budget for 2017 "We reduced the » Councillors will forego expenses was passed by Councillors, led by Sinn Féin and to provide for a participatory has ensured a range of progressive measures to budgeting scheme for the benefit citizens on a range of issues including Local Property Tax Traveller community and a housing, disability and roads. security project for homes for The Sinn Féin group, who lead the council which made a saving elderly people 2pm majority alliance, represents South Dublin from » €500,000 will be allocated to the Rathfarnham to Lucan. Welcoming the passing Play Space programme of the budget, Sinn Féin group leader Cathal for local families and still » €300,000 for estate roads SUNDAY King said: » €250,000 has been provided to “The council functions are primarily funded managed to deliver fund a third tree pruning crew through rates and the Local Property Tax » A new provision for €100,000 for (Family Home Tax), which councillors voted traffic calming measures 5 MARCH to reduce by the maximum 15% earlier in the a first class budget” » Maintaining a reduction of 15% in year. the Local Property Tax "We reduced the Local Property Tax which » A new provision for €150,000 has 2017 made a saving for local families and still in funds being made available which includes been made for traffic signal renewal managed to deliver a first class budget. annual allocations in specific areas. and replacement “We have a serious housing crisis in this The Budget for 2017 has a number of ASSEMBLE county and need to build more social housing, highlights: In addition increased spending will be provided but are constrained by the Government » Homeless Budget increased and now across a number of areas including villages programme. stands at €2.6m enhancement works, boiler replacement, “Within these unfair constraints, we have » €1 Million provided for the backlog electrical repairs, sports pitches, replacement done the best we could with an increased of Disabled Persons Extensions and of public lighting columns, tourism promotion, provision for emergency accommodation, signage, provision of playgrounds and the Citywest improvement works an extra €1m to clear the backlog of disabled » €1 million will be allocated to the Windows library book fund. person grants and €1m for the Windows and and doors maintenance programme Sinn Féin Councillors welcome this Budget Doors Programme, among others." » The provision of school meals for 23 and will continue to work to deliver this fair Shopping The 2017 budget shows an overall increase schools budget to the citizens of South Dublin.

Contact your Dublin Sinn Féin Public Representatives Centre The Sinn Féin MEP, TDs, Senators and Councillors across MARCH TO Dublin are here to represent you and your community. For contact details for our elected representatives go to: www.sinnfein.ie/ga/dublin Village DUBLIN www.sinnfein.ie NEDUBLINWS NEWS 3 DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL

Support Dublin Fire Brigade’s emergency service

Dublin Fire Brigade’s excellent ser- vice is currently operating without enough resources, including ambu- lances. With all crews trained as pa- ra-medics, Dublin has a Fire-Based Emergency Medical Service (EMS) which is best practice international- ly in urban areas. Sinn Féin on Dub- lin City Council recently backed an all-party motion calling on Council management to urgently request the Government to fund four additional fully crewed ambulances for the ser- vice, the minimum number needed. The Sinn Féin-backed motion in Tallaght. This was not a recom- noted with concern the sugges- mendation of either a 2014 HIQA Re- tion that the Dublin Fire Brigade call port or an Expert Panel Report. The and dispatch service based in Tara Council backed fire-fighters in -op • Sinn Féin on Dublin City Council: (front row left to right) Cllrs Daithi Doolan, Anthony Connaghan, Chris Andrews, Noeleen Reilly, Street Station would be transferred posing this and voted unanimously Seamas McGrattan; (middle) Críona Ní Dhálaigh, Ciarán O’Moore,Cathleen Carney Boud, Edel Moran, Ray McHugh, Janice Boylan, or amalgamated with the National that any changes must be subject to Gaye Fagan; (back) Greg Kelly, Larry O’Toole, Emma Murphy, Mícheál Mac Donncha Ambulance Service call and dispatch agreement of Councillors. Sinn Féin leads fight Save Moore Street to end housing crisis There is a huge housing crisis in Dublin. Record numbers of people are without homes. 23,352 applicants are on the Dublin City Council housing lists, with over 4,000 on the list longer than 10 years. Over 5,000 people are officially homeless, including over 2,000 chil- dren. Over 1,000 of these families are living in unacceptable conditions in emergency accommodation such as hotel rooms and B&Bs. Tenants are struggling to pay rising rents in the private sector with many being forced out; people are burdened with inflated Celtic Tiger mortgages Sinn Féin on Dublin City Council ter of Dublin city centre, a fitting trib- and many working people are unable helped to stop the plan to demolish ute to the men and women of 1916 to afford to buy even modest homes in most of the Moore Street 1916 Bat- who were honoured so well by mil- the capital. tlefield site to make way for a giant, lions of people during the Centenary The crisis has been talked about for unwanted shopping mall. We have year. We are working with the Moore long enough. The primary solution is been working with the 1916 relatives Street traders to ensure that the great to greatly increase the supply of hous- improvement on what went before, would have been built on these sites. and other groups and campaigns to tradition of street trading is continued ing, especially social and affordable falls far short of what is needed. Increasing this to 50% was a victory. ensure that this site is saved and that and that the street traders get all the housing in Dublin. Now is the time for It has been a battle a day for the Sinn Sinn Féin’s Dublin City Council team it becomes an historic cultural quar- support and resources they require. action. Sinn Féin is the largest party on Féin team on Dublin City Council to stood firm and demanded that this be Dublin City Council and has been lead- get the Minister and his Department to increased. Sinn Féin reduces Family Home Tax ing the battle to get homes built. step up to the mark. Increased funding But this is not enough and we We have consistently demanded is finally being released to Dublin City are working to maximise social and Since the 2014 local elections, Sinn tax does not go to Dublin City Council that the Government change its Council for housing. affordable housing. Land speculators Féin, as the largest party on Dublin but into a central Government fund policy to recognise housing as a Recently Dublin City Council voted and developers are sitting on land City Council, has ensured that the from which Dublin is allocated basic right and to fund the Councils to support a major home building zoned for 24,000 homes in Dublin in maximum possible reduction of 15 money. It is an unfair tax that takes to make housing available and programme. The programme will the hope of increasing their profit. It per cent has applied to the Family no account of ability to pay. Sinn affordable for all who need it. Under deliver up to 1,700 homes on three is unacceptable that developers are Home Tax (so-called ‘Local Property Féin wants to see this tax replaced successive Fianna Fáil Governments sites - O’Devaney Gardens in the holding this city to ransom. Sinn Féin Tax’). Contrary to Fine Gael spin this with a fair tax system. housing was left totally to private North Inner City, St. Michael’s Estate have demanded that Housing Minister developers and between them and in Inchicore and the Oscar Traynor allow the City the banks they crashed the economy. Road site on the Northside. This Council to develop this land to deliver Council backs United Ireland referendum Fine Gael-led governments have major development includes 30% desperately needed homes. continued the same policy until social, 20% affordable and 50% for Sinn Féin will continue to work Dublin City Council backed a motion British government ignoring the in 2016 they were finally forced to private purchase. That will mean up tirelessly on the City Council to deliver proposed by Sinn Féin calling for a democratic vote of the people of the reluctantly recognise that these to 850 social & affordable homes for a home building programme, and we referendum on Irish Unity as provid- Six Counties to remain in the EU. Sinn policies have failed. Housing Minister Dublin. will campaign in Dublin and nationally ed for in the Good Friday Agreement. Féin calls for the people of the island Simon Coveney brought forward If the Government had their way for housing as a right and decent Brexit has put Irish Unity back at the of Ireland to be allowed decide our a housing plan which, while an only 10% social and affordable homes homes for all who need them. top of the political agenda, with the relationship with the EU for ourselves.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN MEDIA OWNERS SINN FÉIN YOUTH DENIS LEADING Flames O’BRIEN’S FROM Not Ní saoirse NEWS THE Features, views and analysis of political, social and economic affairs in Ireland and around the world go saoirse AGENDA FRONT Sinn Féin in Palestine anSraith Nua Iml 39 Uimhir 4 phoblacht na mBan Leadership missing Price €2 / £2 phoblachtApril / Aibreán 2016 Flowers Fáilte go Saor-Ghaeltacht an anSraith Nua Iml 39 Uimhir 12phoblacht December / Nollaig 2016 Price €2 / £2 Gaza kids in Ireland anphoblacht from unionism Theach Laighean ASSEMBLY CAPPAGH KILLINGS ELECTIONS MARCH & PAGEANT VOTE SINN FÉIN MERRION ‘BREXIT CHANGES EVERYTHING’ MAY 5th SQUARE MAKE SURE YOU 2pm ARE REGISTERED THIS IS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT TO VOTE State collusion exposed ALL WELCOME! Price €2 / £2 anSraith Nua Iml 39 Uimhir 11 phoblachtNovember / Samhain 2016 phoblacht anSraith Nua Iml 39 Uimhir 9 anphoblachtSeptember / Meán Fómhair 2016 Price €2 / £2 Martin McGuinness to TIME HONOURED British Prime Minister... Standing OUR TASK NOW IS TO COMPLETE THEIR VISION Appeal to all TDs TO up to back You Sinn Féin Bill for workers’ TALK Brexit, for rights

Sinn Féin leader TD UNITY Workers with locked-out Clerys workers .com We Mandela prison MARCUS .com FARC ARMAGH GARVEY guide saw my

FAUL LEADER & 1916 Mc Speaks to WOMEN Inspiration to Malcolm X phoblacht Bobby Sands shirt HUNGER STRIKE an and Martin Luther King PHOTO: AIDANPHOTO: phoblacht H-Blocks Hunger Striker visits Robben Island – See Pages 16 & 17; also see 8 & 9 Hunger Strike Rally ANNIVERSARY an Remain DUBLIN 4 NEDUBLINWS NEWS www.sinnfein.ie Supporting Mental Health services decent need to be 24/7 The Government needs to put in place 24/7 crisis intervention services in social Mental Health. Campaign group Up- lift has delivered to the Government a welfare petition for these services which has been signed by nearly 12,000 mem- bers of the public. 24/7 services are an essential to en- sure that people in mental health dis- tress get the care they need. At pres- ent, many community services only operate until the evening time and not at all Saturdays and Sundays. Mental health doesn't operate in office hours and our services must reflect this. Given the paltry increase to the mental health budget announced in November 2016, well below what was are afraid to seek care out of hours, at its most tragic, it has resulted in promised during the election, it is now those who do are forced to enter the people taking their lives, isolated and past time for the Government to revis- inappropriate and too often chaotic desperate. it their approach to mental health. Máire Devine environment of hospital emergency I support the call from the petition The lack of these services is costing SINN FÉIN SENATOR departments. This at best has a chill- collected by Uplift and will work to see lives, people who are very vulnerable Spokesperson on Mental Health ing effect on those who need support; that this issue is finally addressed.

Denise Mitchell TD Living the legacy of 1916 DUBLIN BAY NORTH Junior spokesperson on Social Protection

Since my election in February 2016 I have been working with Sinn Féin Social Protection spokesperson John Brady TD to push for a fairer social welfare system and to end unfairness in the system that effects pensioners, women and young people. In December we put a motion before the Dáil that aimed to create pension equality for women. Be- cause of changes introduced under Centenary events run by Sinn Féin, people of Ireland to the ownership of Labour’s Joan Bruton in 2012, many by councils and local groups up and Ireland; equal rights and equal oppor- women are receiving a smaller pen- Aengus down the country, and I am still in- tunities to all, cherishing all the chil- sion on retirement. The Sinn Féin volved with some who are continu- dren of the Nation equally; and an end motion called on the Government Ó Snodaigh TD ing to look at the revolution that was to divisions fostered by the British. to reverse these cuts and ensure DUBLIN SOUTH CENTRAL 1916-1921 and the counter-revolution It's far from that we are today, be- pension equality for women. We Chief Whip and Spokesperson on Defence that followed. cause this state has been ruled by Fi- also sought to reinstate the Transi- With the renewed interest in the anna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour, and tionary State Pension, giving people In 2016 we reconnected with the Proclamation of the Irish Republic in the Six Counties between the British the option to retire if they wish at 65 courage, bravery and vision of the came an increased awareness of the and their unionist surrogates. without being forced onto the dole men and women of the 1916 Rising. unfulfilled dreams of the visionaries For us commemoration is not just queue. This motion resulted in a de- After years of censorship, denigration, of the revolution, Pádraig Mac Piarais, looking at the past; it is about mak- feat for Fine Gael. But a Fianna Fáil revisionism and hostility to the mem- James Connolly, Countess Markiev- ing the principles of the Proclamation amendment kicked the can down ory of those gallant men and women icz and many more. Their sacrifices creaking health service and all the a reality today. The vision of 1916 is the road and is unlikely to result we stood proud in remembering them in death or imprisonment contrasted while their friends have been lining alive and well in Sinn Féin and I would in any action on women’s pension and what they stood for. spectacularly with those in partitioned their pockets with the wealth of the urge everyone to join with us in the inequality. We will continue to pur- I was delighted to be centrally in- states who have presided over an un- nation. ongoing campaigns to create a more sue the Government on this and to volved in many of the 1916 Rising equal society, eroded sovereignty, The Proclamation spoke of: inde- equal and just society and to reunite demanda fairer pensions system for thousands of children in poverty, a pendence for Ireland, the right of the our country. all. We put forward many amend- ments to the Social Welfare Bill, most being rejected by the govern- ment. However one was enacted. This called for a report on previous Why we should reduce the voting age lone parent social welfare payment 165,000 young people (15-24) have So often, young people fail to fea- social and economic conversation, changes and their effect. left Ireland since the General Elec- ture in a conversation and narrative by affording young people, who We have put forward a Bill on tion in February 2011, while one in that concerns their lives. The Gen- have reached the age of 16 years, abolishing mandatory retirement, six young people born in this state der Recognition Act 2015, although the right to vote in elections to the aiming to create legal protection now live abroad. Those currently re- hugely significant and progressive, Local Council, and European Parlia- for those reaching 66 and allowing siding in Ireland face the rising costs formed obstacles to individuals ment. them the option to remain in work. of education and an unemployment under the age of 18 and glaringly Only by widening the political We also have a Bill to protect work- rate of 15.3%, almost double the failed to recognise the existence of franchise can we guarantee that the ers on defined benefit pensions. overall unemployment rate of 7.8%. young trans people. rights of young people stay firmly This is an important issue consid- Activation schemes including The referendum for civil marriage on the agenda of politicians. ering what happened to the Clery’s JobBridge and Gateway have fos- equality captured the imagination We are serious about legislating workers. tered attitudes that our young peo- of young people, who when en- for the rights of young people. We We are also consistently raising ple and graduates can be a cheap gaged, prove themselves to be at are hopeful that this demand will the issue of the low social welfare form of labour, at a time when the forefront and cutting edge of be heard and supported, particular- rates for under-26’s and pushing the young people are vulnerable in the change. ly given the longstanding commit- Minister on a long awaited report Fintan Warfield workforce particularly in workplac- The Electoral (Voting at 16) Bill ment to this issue by the National on the impact of these low rates on SINN FÉIN SENATOR es relevant to arts, retail, care and 2016 seeks to address the absence Youth Council of Ireland and many young people. Spokesperson on Youth, Arts & LGBT Rights hospitality sectors. of young people from the political, other youth organisations. DUBLIN www.sinnfein.ie NEDUBLINWS NEWS 5 Public transport is vital for Dublin Justice For Dublin to live and breathe as also intended to provide a park and a city, public transport is vital and ride at a terminus on the N2 national for the needs to be fully supported, and this road close to the M50. The benefits must go hand in hand with a system for Dublin are obvious. Thousands that eases traffic and cuts commuting of cars will essentially be removed Stardust times as much as possible. from our streets, improving the en- The commitment to the Metro vironment of the City. Jobs will also North is positive in developing a city- be created both during and after con- victims wide plan, especially considering that struction and local business should Fingal has the third highest popula- also benefit. and tion growth rate in the country (at We need real commitment to these 13.9%) in Census 2011 and a further projects from Government. Privatisa- 8% growth rate in the intervening tion and allowing the managements families 5-year period as shown in Census of Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and 2016. This growth can be seen espe- Iarnród Éireann to ride roughshod cially in Dublin North West and sur- 2016-2035 has some very innova- over workers’ rights is the road to rounding areas. tive ideas such as the Luas Cross City nowhere and will be opposed by To facilitate this increased popula- connecting St. Stephen’s Green to Sinn Féin. Like the roads themselves, tion we need a fit-for-purpose trans- Broombridge, which will then extend these public transport services are TD port network. Traffic is at an all-time Luas Cross City from Broombridge not there to make profits but to pro- DUBLIN NORTH WEST high. to the north of Finglas. This will pro- vide an economic and social service Junior Spokesperson on Housing, The National Transport Authority vide a high capacity service from this which is absolutely essential for our Planning & Local Government strategy for the greater Dublin Area large suburb into the city centre. It is economy and society. Crisis in our hospitals shows need for major change The crisis that we see day to day in the Emergency Departments of Dub- Seán Crowe TD lin’s hospitals is happening because DUBLIN SOUTH WEST they are part of an under-resourced Spokesperson on and inequitable healthcare system Foreign Affairs & that struggles to cope with the grow- Trade, the EU ing demands being made on it. and the Diaspora Over-crowding and long waiting times in Emergency Departments still Dublin was devastated on 14 February occur because the service is too small 1981 when 48 young people died in a to cater for the number of patients fire in the Stardust in Artane. All these and the complexity of patient needs. years on the victims, the survivors and We have a growing and ageing pop- the bereaved have yet to get justice ulation with medical science making and truth about what happened on more and better treatments possible that terrible night. but not always accessible. An initial tribunal was a whitewash, The only way we can address this cri- finding that the fire was ‘probably’ sis is integrating care through a series of set deliberately. This was totally initiatives, which include increasing our discredited and the Government later acute bed capacity, increasing our tran- removed the report from the record. sitional and long term care bed capac- TD Compelling evidence shows that the ity, expanding our community nursing Louise O’Reilly fire started in the roof space and lack DUBLIN FINGAL and other support services as well as receive integrated care whether they tients are treated on the basis of med- of fire safety led to the carnage. Spokesperson on Health our home care services. Ireland needs need it in the home, in a primary care ical need and nothing else. Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, capacity built into General Practise, into Sinn Féin outlined our proposals on setting, an acute hospital or a long We want to create a universal has called for a new Commission of Community Care, into our acute hos- health reform in our Better4Health term care environment. Sinn Féin is healthcare system - an Irish National Inquiry. The Sinn Féin TD said: pitals. And until that happens we will document. The fundamental principle committed to the establishment of Health service - by national consen- “48 people died and 214 people still see headlines about the trolley crisis of our new health system must be a an Irish National Health Service, free sus in order to ensure that every citi- were injured on that fateful Valentine’s again next year. guarantee, to all citizens, that they will at the point of delivery and where pa- zen is guaranteed health care. night. 36 years later the families who have fought tirelessly for answers have still not got the full truth about how their loved ones died. Six key priorities for tackle housing crisis “There are huge questions still remaining about the totally Sinn Féin has proposed six key mea- inadequate way in which the tragedy sures that the Government urgently » Measures to bring down was investigated and dealt with by the needs to enact in order to get a han- the price of houses for institutions of this State. The families dle on the appalling housing crisis purchasers. of victims of the Stardust tragedy that is causing such misery and dis- are seeking a new Commission tress, especially in Dublin. We need: » Greater action from of Investigation into this dreadful tragedy. They maintain they have new » Real rent certainty and NAMA to provide social evidence from eye witnesses that was greater protection for and affordable homes. ignored or over looked in the past. tenants. “I was disappointed that a Dáil Stop » A moratorium on home Motion to establish such a commission was rejected by the Government, with » 10,000 social housing repossessions to give a break to those struggling the support of Fianna Fáil, as they units every year until put forward an alternative involving to keep their homes. this crisis ends. Housing an independent legal expert first The government urgently needs to reviewing this new evidence. This Eoin Ó Broin TD » Action on the 198,000 take these six key actions in order to will be another delay and another vacant properties across tackle what is becoming the most postponement for the families who DUBLIN MID-WEST are still waiting for answers and justice the state. urgent housing crisis the state has Spokesperson on Housing Cha s 36 years later.” ever seen. DUBLIN 6 NEDUBLINWS NEWS www.sinnfein.ie FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL Sinn Féin Use social exposes clauses to vulture funds protect jobs The sinister role of vulture funds in the housing crisis was exposed by Fingal Sinn Féin Councillors have Sinn Féin, working with residents called on the Irish government to use of Tyrellstown, in Fingal County EU procurement directives to pro- Council area. tect indigenous businesses both Tyrrelstown is a large housing in Fingal and across the State. The estate built during the so-called State will spend approximately €6 Celtic Tiger. With the collapse of million in the coming years on the the economy the developer was purchasing of library books and unable to sell what had already while social clauses have been been built and over the following included in a very small number three years Twinlite completed of public contracts, they are not those unfinished houses and rent- currently legislated for nor are they ed them out. mandatory. Fast forward to 2016 and many Speaking on the issue at a meet- of those same residents who rent- ing of Fingal County Council, Cllr ed from Twinlite were shocked to Malachy Quinn said: receive eviction notices. Sinn Féin “For the second year now, the con- Councillor Paul Donnelly and res- tract for the supply of library books in idents followed the money and Fingal has gone outside of the State. In banking debt trail in conjunction 2016, it went to a company in the US with a journalist from the Sunday and now this year, it has recently been who broke the story. awarded to a UK company. All this

while three indigenous companies in Kildare, Sligo and here in Fingal which Over 180 residents were had previously won the contract have lost out to much larger foreign-based at risk. This exposed a companies, with 11 jobs at stake here vast sell-off of homes to in Fingal. “In 2014, Sinn Féin Public Expendi- vulture companies and ture and Reform spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD introduced a Pri- also showed clearly how vate Members Bill for the mandatory inclusion of social clauses in all pub- limited tenants’ rights lic procurement contracts worth in excess of €1 million. Now is the time are in this country for this government to recognise how necessary social clauses are in public It was discovered that the Twinlite procurement and for it to take the nec- loans were sold by Ulster Bank to essary leap forward when transposing vulture group, Goldman Sachs who these European directive to benefit were calling in their loans from the local economy of Fingal, as well • Sinn Féin on Fingal County Council: (left to right) Cllrs Malachy Quinn, Paul Donnelly, Philip Lynam, Natalie Treacy, Daire Ní as across the State, just like France & Twinlite. Over 180 residents were Laoi, Edmond Lukusa at risk. This exposed a vast sell-off Germany have already done.” of homes to vulture companies and also showed clearly how limited An Ghaeilge i gComhairle Contae Fhine Gall tenants’ rights are in this country. Motion Following a major campaign, Táimid ag iarraidh an Ghaeilge a tagtha ó thaobh Gaeilge ar Twinlite finally removed the threat chur chun cinn sa Chomhairle féin phostaeir, bileoga eolais srl, fós brought of eviction and committed to al- agus thart timpeall an Chontae. níl baill den phobal ábalta gnó a forward lowing people to remain in their Bhí staid na Gaeilge go dona ann dhéanamh leis an gComhairle trí homes until they found alternative cúpla bliain ó shin, le fíor-bheagán Ghaeilge, mar nach bhfuil daoine le to tackle accommodation, a key first de- seirbhísí á gcur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge, Gaeilge fostaithe chun an seirbhís mand of the residents. adaptation agus i mBéarla amháin a bhíodh a chur ar fáil. Caithfimid troid chun Sinn Féin have supported the res- grant fógraí, bileoga eolais srl. sin a athrú. idents also in their demand to be able to stay in the homes for which Lorgaíomar Coiste Gaeilge, Faoi láthair, táimid ag díriú ar applications they have paid tens of thousands agus tá sin ag feidhmiú anois. Sheachtain na Gaeilge, agus ag in rent. We have also supported Táimse mar Chathaoirleach, agus cuidiú leis an gComhairle Clár the strengthening of tenants’ rights tá cúpla comhairleoir, ionadaithe d’imeachtaí SnaG sa Chontae a chur Fingal County Councillor Natalie and have published a comprehen- ó eagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus beirt le chéile. Beimid freisin ag éileamh Treacy has brought forward a number of motions to tackle the backlog and sive housing strategy to deal with oifigeach ón gComhairle mar LE DAIRE córas aistriúcháin don chruinniú waiting times for adaptation and the housing emergency. We have bhaill de. Táimid ag cur brú ar an Louise O'Reilly office A5 leaflet Nov 2016.inddmíosúil 2 i Mí Márta, mar go mbeimid 07/11/2016 13:03 disability work in Fingal housing stock. been at the forefront in progressing gComhairle níos mó a dhéanamh, ag cur ceisteanna agus rúin trí the building of social homes in the NÍ LAOI The waiting time can vary depending ach cé go bhfuil feabhas beag Comhairleoir Sinn Féin Ghaeilge. region. The need for investment in on medical needs. Level access road infrastructure to access lands showers and ramps often take up to for development has been raised 18 months, and extensions can take two to three years. This came to Cllr with the Minister for Housing. The Government presents if HAP is actually making Treacy’s attention after dealing with a With only 272 homes currently the Housing Assistance any appreciable differ- number of residents with disabilities at various stages of development Payment (HAP) as if it is ence on a monthly basis. HAP is not working who are forced to sleep downstairs in Fingal, there needs to be a very a major solution to the We need to ensure that in their home for 18 months or more substantial increase. The biggest housing crisis. But it is not monthly Chief Executive’s tunately are in housing an increased number of while awaiting adaptation work. This obstacle is the slowness of procure- working because far too report to Fingal County emergency situations. landlords participate. And is unacceptable. The long waiting list ment. A Sinn Féin bill to speed up few landlords are willing Council, to outline the They are told to report to this is only a small part is due to the backlog of cases going the process was lost due to lack of to take tenants under the number of landlords who the local authorities where of the solution because back as far as 2012. “We managed to support from Fine Gael and Fianna scheme. are willing or who have they have to present the Government must secure extra funding to try and reduce Fáil. But in Fingal and across Dublin Cllr Philip Lynam taken up HAP in Fingal. themselves as homeless. start opening up land the backlog and we will continue to Sinn Féin will persist in demanding (Swords Ward) has Cllr Lynam said: “I see Often they are referred and give extra funding for monitor this situation until we get the and working for homes for all who requested that a data the reality of families on to the HAP scheme as a social and mixed housing backlog and waiting times reduced need them. checklist be added to the a daily basis who unfor- solution. We need to know schemes.” significantly,” says Cllr. Treacy. DUBLIN www.sinnfein.ie NEDUBLINWS NEWS 7 Ag tacú le Neodracht agus Síocháin Le blianta fada tá Sinn Féin ag mo- níos mó ná tréimhse ar bith eile ón go raibh cuid acu ag iompair príosún- gur chóir baill-stáit a oibriú le chéile le a neartú. Bheadh reifreann chun ladh reachtaíocht chun an neodracht Dara Chogadh Domhanda. Thug ri- aigh a bhí i mbaol chéasadh, nó a bhí “full potential of a super-power in the deis a thabhairt don bpobal tacú le míleata a neartú. Arís sa Dáil seo mhol altas Fhianna Fáil cead céasta. Agus anois tá an tUachtarán field of security and defence”. Dúirt Aire neodracht agus le ról na hÉireann ag an páirtí Bille chun an neodracht a do fhórsaí míleata Stáit Aontaithe Trump tar éis a rá gur fiú agus gur Gnótháí Eachtracha na Gearmáine an cur i gcoinne aontais míleata agus ar chinntiú agus é chur sa Bhunreacht. Mheirceá Aerfort na Sionnaine a úsáid ceart daoine a chéasadh más gá! rud chéanna agus is léir go bhfuil siad son na síochána. Nuair a cuireadh an Ba iad urlabhraí Cosaint Aengus Ó chun a n-eitleáin chogaidh a bhreoslú Chomh maith le sin tá gluaiseacht ag iarraidh an polasaí seo a chur chun Bille os comhar na Dála ag Sinn Féin Snodaigh TD agus urlabhraí Cúrsaí Idi- agus sos a thabhairt dá saighdiuírí. ag dul ar aghaidh chun an tAontas cinn i gcomhthéacs Trump a bheith vótáil rialtas Fhine Gael ina choinne, le rináisiúnta Seán Crowe TD a chuir an Lean gach rialtas leis an polasaí ó shin. Eorpach a mhíleatú le structúir ‘slándála’ mar uachtarán SAM. tacú ó Fhianna Fáil. Ach leanfaidh Sinn Bille os comhair na Dála. Tá na mílte eitleáin míleata SAM tar éis a fhorbairt. Dúirt Federrica Mogherni, Tá Sinn Féin ag éileamh leasú Féin ar aghaidh leis an bhfeachtas seo. Tá an neodracht faoi bhagairt anois, dul tríd an Aerfort agus tá fianaise ann Ceannaire Gnóthaí Eachtracha an AE, nua sa Bhunreacht chun neodracht

DÚN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN

HARBOUR TRANSFER SAGA CONTINUES

The transfer of ownership of Dún Cllr Shane O’Brien has demanded that lic monies and resources are wasted. A commitment must also be Laoghaire Harbour from the Dún the Minister for Transport Shane Ross Sinn Féin believes control and pol- given by central Government Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) intervenes to bring an end to this saga. icy formulation must be vested in the to cover all current liabilities of to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County €30,000 has already been spent from citizens of the County through their DLHC to ensure that residents and JOIN Council (DLRCoCo) which was legis- the public purse examining the transfer elected members. For this to take businesses living and operating lated for under the Habours Bill 2015 options available to the Local Authori- place the current Harbour Company in the county are not faced with is still yet to take place. ty. It’s time for the Minister to exercise must be dissolved and transferred to massive increases to their Local Sinn Féin Group Leader on Dún his power on this issue and ensure the the Local Authority as a new service Property Tax or commercial rate SINN Laoghaire Rathdown County Council transfer takes place before further pub- department. contributions. NEWS BRIEFS... FÉIN New speed laws welcome Despite consistant criticism at the manner the County may find themselves confused Ideas sought for re-use of and methodology used to implement them, as to where and what estates have been former Dún Laoghaire Library Dundrum Sinn Féin Councillor Sorcha Nic included. Cllr Nic Cormaic added that a Attempts to commericalise one of Cormaic has welcomed the recent adoption zonal approach similar to the one taken by Dún Laoghaire’s most historic civic of new speed limits in some residential Dublin City Council may been a more sound buildings have been temporarily estates. The science behind the reasons option: “Many estates that my collegaues halted as Councillors approved a for introducing such measures are beyond and I sought to have included have not been. Sinn Féin motion which stated the debate. Reduced speed has an effect on the However your Sinn Féin team will continue Carnegie building should be used risk of fatal accidents. However all three to endevour to have these bye laws applied for community purposes. Cllr Shane DLR Sinn Fén Councillors have expressed to all estates in the shortest time-frame O’Brien who proposed the motion welcomed the their concern that people living or visiting possible.” cross party support on the issue. The new expression Help us build a better of interest process should now reflect the wishes of Ireland for a better the elected members and will give all community and voluntary groups operating in the area a fair chance Lessons of Beacon South Quarter South Quarter, it’s clear that future. If you believe Sinn Féin Councillor for Sandyford, Chris of obtaining a lease to use the premises. - we’ll see more incidents like in fairness, if you Curran has welcomed Dún Laoghaire Rath this for apartment owners Parking cost problems in Dundrum down County Council’s decision to defer across the state. believe in a United resolutions aimed at imposing estimated “The old policy of self-cer- Sinn Féin Cllr Sorcha Nic Cormaic has - costs of €12 million on apartment own tification and non-invasive Ireland, if you want to called on the owners of the Dundrum ers in Beacon South Quarter, until more visual inspections, lacked Town Centre to revise their new see change,text your information is known. Councillor Curran foresight and was simply parking costs. An exorbitant increase said; - bonkers. I cannot emphasise enough, the name and address in parking charges at the centre are “I’m sure this will come as a great re - need for owner occupiers and small land having a very negative impact on lief to other apartment owners as it would to 51444, or go - lords to become familiar with their rights surrounding estates, as staff and have been absurd to support any resolu - Given and to get more involved in their manage to our website visitors are now choosing to park off site. tion until all the facts are established. ment companies.” the revelations about the state of Beacon www.sinnfein.ie DUBLIN 8 NEDUBLINWS NEWS www.sinnfein.ie Lynn tells Commissioner to ‘butt out’

DUBLIN SAYS NO TO BACK-DOOR WATER CHARGES

The General Election of 2016 returned ing with the Water Framework Direc- Commissioner calls for disincentives a majority of TDs to the Dáil that tive. to discourage overuse - but Irish gave a commitment to abolish water The legal opinion commissioned by households are at the lower end of charges. my office clearly states that if Ireland the spectrum of water consumption Ever since then, the European En- is fulfilling the objectives of the Water in the EU. DUBLIN COULD vironment Commissioner, Karmenu International studies show that Vella, and his water unit in Brussels States with the highest saturation have played every trick in the book to “The hundreds of millions of individual household meters also BE HEAVEN interfere in the democratic wishes of have the highest household con- the Irish people. that have been spent sumption of water. It has been a great honour for me to When challenged, Vella’s water The installation, maintenance and represent the people of Dublin in the A VISION FOR unit first denied it but then had to on meter installation rollout of a billing system connected . Our city and do an embarrassing climbdown to water meters is not cost effective. county is a vibrant, bustling place, but when my complaint to the EU to date would have Their only positive use is detection of I believe we can make it a better and OUR CAPITAL Ombudsman forced them to release leaks, which can be done at district fairer place to live for all our citizens his correspondence with the Irish been far better used in level. The unfair austerity policies pur- Government. In fact, the hundreds of millions sued by Fianna Fáil, Labour and Fine BY LYNN The Commissioner’s meddling is upgrading the system” that have been spent on meter in- Gael in recent years have caused symptomatic of all that is wrong with stallation to date would have been far unnecessary hardship to many Dub- the European Union. Legally, the Eu- Framework Directive, which is to con- better used in upgrading the system. liners. They are also shortsighted. BOYLAN ropean Commission is supposed to serve and protect water, then Ireland My advice to Commissioner Vella is Investment in our people and our Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin remain neutral when it comes to how would be in compliance - WITHOUT to butt out of Ireland’s water debate infrastructure creates jobs, improves a State manages its water infrastruc- domestic charges. and instead focus on doing the job he public services, generates economic has failed to plan and invest in the ture, providing the country is comply- In his letters to Government, the is very highly paid to do. activity and attracts tourists. growth of Dublin. Policy has been re- Instead, dire decisions have been active, planning piecemeal, demands made. For example, millions of euros unmet and local government un- have been wasted on endless consul- der-resourced. tancy fees for Irish Water, while carers This lack of a shared vision, agreed are told their respite hours will be cut plan and adequate resources has cre- and patients are left on trolleys in ER ated a city in which homes are un- Hands off Dublin Bus departments. affordable, traffic is gridlocked and Millions more were wasted install- communities are divided by huge Dublin Bus has become an easy target economic costs on businesses and ing water meters rather than repair- economic inequality. in recent years for commentators ea- workers. Dublin is already ranked the ing our water infrastructure. Sinn Féin has a vision for a fairer ger to have a pop at ‘inefficient’ public sixth most congested city in Europe. For decades, central government Dublin. services and anxious to promote the A recent survey by Movinga, a Ber- benefits of privatisation. lin-based online relocation service, Recent governments have sought found that Dublin was in the top three to make public owned companies most expensive cities globally for lo- seem inefficient or outdated. But cal transport, along with London and private operators only serve private Sydney. interests and drive down conditions Instead of cutting the State subven- for workers. Their motivation is to tion to Dublin Bus, which has led to squeeze profit wherever it can be impaired service and higher fares, the made. Government should be investing in all A Living City A Working City Dublin Bus is a prime example of public transport, including the Luas, this campaign to underfund publicly DART, Irish Rail and Bus Éireann. A properly resourced public trans- We want a city of A city of quality jobs, guaranteed owned companies and undermine Funding an affordable, accessible port network would help the eco- affordable quality workers’ rights, training and education. A city that supports them with support and deregulation and efficient public transport network nomic and social development of the housing, a green city, A Moving City for private interests. that serves all communities shouldn’t city, increase business efficiency, help a cultural city, a city of local entrepreneurs and social The chronically low level of in- be seen as a burden on the taxpayer reduce emissions by taking cars off civic spaces, an inclusive A city free of congestion, enterprise. A city in which all vestment in Dublin’s public trans- but as an investment in the city’s eco- the road, and make Dublin a more at- city, a city to raise a a city that promotes communities share the wealth port network imposes substantial nomic future. tractive tourism destination. family and grow old in. sustainable transport. and opportunity. Connect with Sinn Féin