News

A report published by the Department of Finance highlights the extent to which investment funds are hoovering up new apartments, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Last year, just 846 apartments were purchased by individuals and families, while 6,203 were bought up by investment funds […]

There is no justification for the continued funding of commercial greyhound racing, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Budget 2025 saw a €4.1m increase in the Horse and Greyhound Fund, bringing the total allocation to just under €100m. Of this, almost €20m will go towards propping up the greyhound industry, which has been in […]

The Social Democrats have outlined how, in government, they would begin the process of building a public model of early childhood education and care. The party’s Early Years Care and Education policy was launched today by Jennifer Whitmore TD, spokesperson on children, and Cllr Jen Cummins, the Social Democrats’ Dublin South-Central general election candidate. Deputy […]

The timing of the publication of the Dublin City Taskforce report, just weeks ahead of a general election, has been described as deeply cynical by Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. “Members of the taskforce completed their work on time and submitted their recommendations to the Taoiseach back in September. However, he sat on this report […]

Today’s release of affordable housing completions shows that this Government is incapable of meeting its targets – targets that were not nearly ambitious enough in the first place, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Just 166 affordable purchase homes have been delivered in the first […]

The Tánaiste’s admission that members of the Cabinet have yet to see the completed Dublin City Taskforce report has been described as an extraordinary abdication of responsibility by Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is a TD for Dublin Central, said: “When I questioned the Tánaiste in the Dáil, he responded that the […]

The Social Democrats today outlined some of the key measures they would implement in government, including the appointment of a senior Disability Minister, as the party launched its disability policy. The policy was launched by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns and Susan Doyle, a solicitor, disability rights advocate and general election candidate for the party […]

The Social Democrats will insist on a full Minister for Disability as a precondition for their participation in any future Government after the general election, according to party leader Holly Cairns. “We clearly need a senior Minister for Disability so the interests of disabled people in Ireland are represented at the Cabinet table. This will […]

Skyrocketing house prices are locking a generation out of homeownership, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The cost of buying a home has increased by a further 10.1 per cent in the past 12 months, according to the latest Residential Property Price Index from the […]

Documents obtained under a Freedom of Information request by Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender have exposed unacceptable delays to the Dublin Commuter Zone fare determination project. Cllr Pender, who is the party’s general election candidate for Kildare South, said: “The Dublin Commuter Zone fare determination project is important for Kildare South as it will significantly […]