Play is vital for children, yet many neighbourhoods have no play space; no playground. Even recently-developed spaces lack play facilities, like Pearse House, Portobello Plaza and the new Grand Canal plaza, though some could have been included without causing nuisance. I salute all volunteers in youth and sporting organisations, and would like school premises to be available for community activities, after hours.

Pedestrians and cyclists, including the less able-bodied, must be able to get safely and easily to their destinations. I will seek more pedestrian crossings, wheelchair facilities, and public seating for those needing to catch their breath or just sit down. Dublin is a city for cycling, yet the traffic and the road-design make it dangerous. I will seek urban cycle-routes, as in Holland. I would also welcome properly-managed public toilets.

Thousands of families and individuals on the housing list endure terrible overcrowding, yet Dublin now has an accommodation surplus. Any new national agency (NAMA) for ‘toxic’ property assets, should make suitable units available to local authorities. I want Dublin City Council to buy, lease (at the right price) or manage vacant dwellings, for use as social housing.

Dublin City Council provides a multitude of services from parks and libraries to housing, street cleaning and traffic management. Essential services must not deteriorate in this recession. Our focus should be on maximizing efficiency and value for money. All local charges must be equitable.

The lack of meaningful consultation has led to much unsuitable development. We must have real public consultation. This remains crucial with the Poolbeg Planning Scheme, other DDDA proposals, and renewed plans for an Eastern Bypass Motorway across Sandymount Strand, which I see as neither financially viable, nor environmentally sustainable.

As Dublin becomes more densely developed, it is increasingly important to safeguard our natural amenities.
The Dodder and Grand Canal should be managed as wildlife corridors and walkways. Sandymount Strand and Irishtown Nature Park are threatened by the DDDA’s plan to develop Poolbeg. It is essential to protect these priceless pieces of wilderness on our doorstep, both for our quality of life and to maintain Dublin’s viability as a leisure destination.