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Developer must account for defects identified in so-called affordable housing scheme

Reported breaches of building regulations in one of the State’s largest affordable housing schemes raises serious questions for the developer and Dublin City Council, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who represents Dublin North-West, said: “It is deeply concerning to learn that delivery of homes at Oscar Traynor Woods could be delayed […]

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Homelessness numbers exceed 15,000 for first time in history of the State

The latest homelessness figures confirm that a shameful milestone was reached under the watch of the previous government, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who represents Dublin North-West, said: “When the previous government was formed in June 2020, there were 8,699 people in homeless emergency accommodation, 2,653 of them children. “As the […]

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Soc Dems launch Health and Social Care policy

The Social Democrats have confirmed that implementation of Sláintecare within the next five years will be a red line issue for the party in any forthcoming programme for government negotiations. The party set out their position at the launch of their Health and Social Care policy today, which was attended by health spokesperson Róisín Shortall, […]

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Soc Dems publish plan to strengthen renters’ rights

The Social Democrats today published their 10-point plan to make life better for renters in Ireland. The Renters’ Charter was launched by Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats candidate in Dublin North-West, and Róisín Shortall, the party’s finance spokesperson. The charter commits to building 25,000 affordable rental homes over a five-year period, with average rents in […]

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Rory Hearne fights to save Number 11 bus service

Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats general election candidate in Dublin North-West, has urged the National Transport Authority (NTA) to reverse its plans to axe the Number 11 route as part of BusConnects changes due to come into effect next month. Dr Hearne said: “Under changes to be introduced in late November, the Numbers 4, 11 […]

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Social Democrats launch affordable homes plan

The Social Democrats have revealed ambitious plans for the delivery of tens of thousands of affordable homes over a five-year period. Details of the fully costed proposals are outlined in the party’s new policy document, ‘Homes Within Reach – Our Plan for Affordable Housing’, which was launched in Dublin today (Monday, October 14). The policy […]

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Coalition spat over stamp duty rates for vulture funds a distraction from the real issues

Government party differences over what measures are needed to discourage vulture funds from bulk buying homes have been described as an unwelcome distraction from the real issues by Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats’ general election candidate in Dublin North-West. Dr Hearne, who is a lecturer, author and housing campaigner, said: “What we heard from a […]

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Soaring House Prices Further Evidence Of Government Failure

How are people on average incomes ever supposed to aspire to own their own home? Surging house price inflation is further evidence that the government’s housing plan is not working, according to Social Democrats Dublin North-West election candidate Rory Hearne. “House prices in Dublin in July soared by a whopping 9.3 percent – while house […]

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