Aidan Farrelly
Spokesperson for Youth; Children and Equality; and Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.
Meet Aidan
I’m Aidan Farrelly, the Social Democrats TD for Kildare North.
I am married to Aisling and have three children: Ella (16), Tadhg (13) and Cillian (9). I have been a professional youth worker and community development worker in Kildare for 16 years.
Working with young people and in communities inspired me to successfully contest the 2019 local elections for the Social Democrats. I believe Kildare deserves its fair share of investment in services for a population of close to 250,000. We need enhanced provision of housing, healthcare, disability services, childcare and school services.
I believe now, more than ever, we need to see Social Democrats policies being government policies. Catherine Murphy has been a mentor and friend throughout my political career, and it is an honour to continue Catherine’s great work.
Kildare schools have the highest average class sizes in Ireland. Kildare has some of the fewest GPs per head of population. As our communities grow, our social infrastructure must grow with them.
Aidan’s Priorities
- Childcare – Capping childcare fees at €250 per month and rolling out a public model of childcare.
- Housing – More affordable homes to rent and buy and driving down the cost of housing.
- Child Poverty – Ending child poverty and child and youth homelessness.
- Health – Full implementation of the Sláintecare plan for a universal healthcare system, free at the point of use.
- Public Services – Prioritising investment in quality public services and community facilities.
Make a Donation
Latest News
Complete reform of Tusla now necessary as agency currently unfit for purpose
This week’s report outlining Tusla’s catastrophic shortcomings when complying with court directions affecting hundreds of children paints a picture of an organisation in dire need of a complete overhaul, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, the party’s Children spokesperson, said: “This week’s decision of a judicial inquiry into Tusla’s failure to act […]
Read moreArts grant recipients in limbo after Minister admits future of basic income scheme is undecided
The Government must stop dithering and make a decision to extend the Basic Income for the Arts scheme before the current pilot runs out, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s Arts spokesperson, said: “When I queried the Arts Minister on his plans for a successor scheme to the pilot […]
Read moreScanner scandal is shocking but not surprising
The scandal surrounding the National Gallery’s €120,000-plus scanner is shocking but not surprising, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s arts spokesperson, said: “It’s sadly no longer a surprise to hear another huge sum of money has been wasted by a State organisation – this time, €120,000 on a […]
Read more