Claire O'Rourke - Social Democrats

Meet Claire

I’m Claire O’Rourke, the Social Democrats Councillor for Celbridge in Kildare North.

I have lived and worked in Celbridge for over 30 years and until my retirement two years ago I worked with the HSE Counselling in Primary Care Service and private practice. This gave me first-hand experience of the shortfall in mental health services in our communities.

Having joined the Social Democrats in 2018 I served as branch secretary to the Kildare North branch for the past three years. There I learned about the great need for community infrastructure and amenities in Celbridge and Ardclough. I will fight for a funding system that takes account of population growth and the increased need for services in growing areas.

Since 1991 I have supported the protection of our precious, green, amenity spaces in Celbridge, and successfully opposed with other community groups, the inappropriate development of land across from Castletown House at Donaghcumper. I am a founding member of the group ‘Friends of Castletown’ which was formed in 2023 to support the preservation of Castletown House and Demesne from inappropriate development.

I am delighted to be your voice on Kildare County Council.

I will fight for a funding system that takes account of population growth and the increased need for services in growing areas.

Claire’s Priorities

Fighting for the provision of affordable and social housing in our area.
Advocating for investment in public transport infrastructure with an emphasis on sustainable modes of transport.
The protection of heritage sites from inappropriate development.