Dublin West Candidate positions on MSP Development
On Monday, 18th November 2024, we sent an email to all General Election candidates contesting the upcoming general election in the Dublin West electoral area. We sent a reminder second email to candidates on 21st November. We asked candidates to send a short statement of paragraph (100 words approx.) by email outlining their position on the MSP development and what action they intend to take in 2025. Please see the responses received below. We have also included the names of other candidates who will contest the election who did not respond or who we could not contact by email. Club Members may wish to contact those candidates directly to get their position in respect of Martin Savage Park. We wish all candidates well in the election. You can also download and print a copy of this for handy reference at the door.
Umar Mehr Al-Qadri – Non-Party
No response to date.
Jack Chambers – Fianna Fáil
I am fully supportive of the proposed development for Martin Savage Park and have been engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage to try and progress the project. I will continue this engagement, working with St Oliver Plunketts GAA club so the facilities can be delivered as quickly as possible in the interest of the local community.
Ruth Coppinger – People Before Profit -Solidarity
I fully support the sports facilities proposed for the club at MSP — facilities like this are of huge importance for the health and recreation of young people and the community. I’ll put pressure on both Dublin City Council and the Dept of Housing, Local Government & Heritage to quickly address the legal issues that have been raised so that the project can go ahead. I’ll immediately write to DCC and, if elected, will use my position as TD to work with the Club, the local community and all relevant bodies for a satisfactory outcome.
Emer Currie – Fine Gael
I want the Club to be in no doubt – I fully support the development of Martin Savage Park to include essential sports and community facilities. DCC and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage must find a solution, as soon as possible, to what is a block on progress, a block on investment in this community, in local Clubs and young people. I will do everything I can to hold both Council and Department to account, to see significant and meaningful progress in the development of Martin Savage Park in 2025, and to commence work on an all-weather pitch, lighting, play zone, community garden and perimeter paving.
Susanne Delaney – Non-Party
No response to date.
Paul Donnelly – Sinn Féin
I would like to recommit my full and absolute support for St. Oliver Plunkett Eoghan Ruadh GAA Club Martin Savage Park project. This is necessary and vital community infrastructure for the club and the communities. This must be the last winter where the park becomes unusable in the dark nights. I look forward to continuing the work with Mary Lou McDonald – Sinn Féin and Séamas McGrattan to see the project delivered.
Le meas, Paul Donnelly
Tania Doyle – Non-Party
While I am originally from Cabra, I am away from the area for over 24 years and things change as you know. With respect, I received your email on the 18th and you have requested I revert back to you in 48 hours. Such a short lead time gives no adequate time to formulate a reasonable, honest, and forthright response, nor does it do the matter at hand justice. Serious projects require serious people with serious plans. Notwithstanding the above, if convenient I would be delighted to meet with you or a Club Representative to gain a deeper insight and to see how positive outcomes can be arrived at and delivered. With Your Number 1 Votes, which I would genuinely appreciate and be grateful for, upon taking a seat in the Dail, I would be eager to meet with the Club accordingly.
John Forde – Non-Party
No response to date.
Breda Hanaphy – Sinn Féin
No response to date.
Ellen Murphy – Social Democrats
I completely support the development of Martin Savage Park into a quality community amenity. The delays in improving the sports pitches, lighting and seating is impacting locals of all ages. My colleague Cllr Cat O’Driscoll has been pushing for progress since the plans were withdrawn and she is meeting with the Dublin City Council Parks Dept in December. I commit to working with all stakeholders to get the plans through planning and into reality as soon as possible.
Lorna Nolan – Fianna Fáil
No response to date.
Roderic O’Gorman – Green Party
I am absolutely supportive of the delivery of the all-weather playing facilities at Martin Savage Park for Plunkett’s Club and for Phoenix FC, along with the upgrades to the park including the playground, the biodiversity area, and the new pathways. I’ve worked closely with Plunkett’s and Phoenix FC over the past four years since I was first elected, I’ll continue to give whatever support I can to make sure this really important project for young people in the Ashtown area is finally delivered.
Patrick Quinlan – The National Party
No response to date.
Natalie Treacy – Non-Party
If I am elected as a TD the Martin Savage Park development will have my full support as it did during the local elections. I spoke to hundreds of people on the doors during the local elections and recently in this general election in relation to MSPD. I met with the club and I listened to all the concerns and demands that all club members and their families are looking for and I fully support it all.I also put in a submission during the last public consultation. One of my main priorities during the local elections and now in the general elections is *Development of Community and sports facilities. The only thing that has changed since the local elections is that I am no longer a member of Sinn Féin. I am now running as an Independent Candidate therefore I can 100% guarantee my full commitment to continue to support the Martin Savage Park development and I will hold every other TD to account who does not.
Ellen Troy – Aontú
I fully support and will actively engage with the decision makers (DCC councillors etc.) to ensure the proposed development comes to fruition. Coming from a GAA family, I saw at first-hand what a modern GAA facility can do, not only for players but the wider community. As a family, we had so much joy from supporting our local team for many years. Russel Park is a super high spec. sports and community facility and MSP should be no different. I have visited MSP recently and the proposed development makes perfect sense but it is also very necessary for our growing community. Be assured that I will be very pro-active in pushing it forward wherever or whenever I can. Please keep me up-dated.
John Walsh – The Labour Party
I fully support the campaign to develop an all-weather playing facility in Martin Savage Park. I am very disappointed that Dublin City Council withdrew the Part 8 proposal, following an intervention by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. My colleague Senator Marie Sherlock has strongly supported the campaign and as a Fingal Councillor I have a strong track record of working constructively with clubs to secure improved sporting and community amenities. I will urge Dublin City Council to press on with the proposal based on their expert advice and put forward comprehensive plans to address the flooding concerns of local residents. If elected to the Dail, I will challenge Ministers to facilitate this important project and assist in resolving any issues. I look forward to meeting with the club at an early stage to take this project forward.