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18 October 2026
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Political notes

picture of a ballot box

 

Architects View on Metro Link

At the annual conference of RIAI the body for architects held in week beginning 4th of October 2026 predicted that the Metro Link can be Dublin's answer to London's Elizabeth line. There is no comparison whatso ever as the Elizabeth line covers a far greater area serving millions of people daily, as the Metro Link covers a very small area of Dublin at a very high cost at the expense of everywhere else.

They even mentioned those that design the Elizabeth line would also play a role the Metro design. Elizabeth line uses the same rail gauge as all the other lines, while for Dublin they are backing the use of a different rail gauge. If this different rail gauge is so good why was a different rail gauge not used in London, because nobody in their right mind would put forward such a silly concept. This shows what they think of Ireland, get in and get out with their big cheques and leave Dublin with future problems. A public meeting on the Metro Link will be held in Spa Hotel on Tuesday 27th October, all welcome.

Tom Newton 086 3127364 @ acratu.com

 

Politicians please note

Due to pressure of space, each representative is limited to 150 words in their report (including name and contact details).
Please keep reports relevant to Lucan
Please note: Wednesday 10pm is the weekly deadline.

 

Shane Moynihan, TD, Fianna Fail, Dublin Mid-West

Email: shane.moynihan@oireachtas.ie
Phone: 01-6184128
Find me on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok
Working with Cllr Tanya McDonald

Weekend C-services: I have contacted the CEO of Dublin Bus to raise ongoing issues with reliability on the C-spine routes at the weekends. I have been contacted with regard to an increased prevalence of ghost buses on these routes and I will be requesting an improvement in performance on these routes.

South Dublin Chamber business awards: Congratulations to all local businesses who were shortlisted and successful as part of the South Dublin Chamber Awards this year. We are lucky to have such a talented and supportive business community in our area.

Castle Road: I am pleased to see the long overdue resurfacing on the footpath at the Castle Road bus stop. Thanks to those who raised it with me.

Clinic: I will hold an advice clinic in Adamstown Community Centre on Monday 19 October at 1pm.

 

Minister Emer Higgins TD, Fine Gael

Constituency Office: 01 401 3416
Insta: @emerhigginstd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmerHigginsTD
Emer.higgins@oireachtas.ie

Recycle IT Event: It was great to see such a large turnout at our Recycle IT event in Lucan this week. Residents came out in huge numbers to recycle unwanted electrical items, and the volume collected was remarkable. The success of the event highlights our community's strong commitment to recycling, reducing waste and preventing items from ending up in landfill. A big thank you to the Recycle IT team for their hard work.

South Dublin Chamber Awards 2026: Congratulations to all those taking part in the South Dublin County Business Awards. The event celebrates the businesses, entrepreneurs, community organisations and employees whose hard work and innovation makes a real difference to our community. I am delighted to attend this year's awards to join in recognising the people whose dedication and achievements help make Lucan such a great place to live.

 

Cllr. Caroline Brady, Peace Commissioner, Fine Gael

085 2551602
CBrady@SDublinCoCo.ie

Lucan House: Consultant architects are advancing the design process. The Chief Executive indicated this week at the Council meeting that a planning application and public consultation is expected to be brought forward in November. Conservation works will begin on the walls (opposite the Ball Alley and near the White Gate). The grounds remain open to visitors each weekend.

Flooding: Following my previous updates, Esker Lane: difficulties contacting the landowner to gain access to the river, which is silted at the outfall at St. Edmundsbury, caused delays in resolving flooding. The Council committed to completing the required works by 31/10/2026. Crugh Cross, Finnstown, improvement works were completed and further works are underway. The Council committed to completing these works by 31/12/2026. Residents may notice works taking place in these areas as part of flood alleviation measures.

 

Cllr. Helen Farrell, Independent

Working with Paul Gogarty, TD, Independent
Email: hfarrell@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
Tel: 087-2794936
Facebook: http://bit.ly/4jHwrjR

Transport, Continued ....
I've compiled a final, detailed, anonymised report for the SDCC Manager, highlighting serious overcrowding on trains serving Adamstown and surrounding stations based on real passenger feedback. Passengers reporting feeling faint in packed carriages, being unable to board trains, delays, and inadequate peak-time services. I'm seeking SDCC's support in pressing Iarnrod Eireann and the NTA for urgent safety reviews, increased carriage capacity and more reliable services. We also need the reinstatement and extension of the old number 25 bus, with a new terminus in Adamstown Station, running to the city centre along the old Dodsborough route. With our population growing rapidly, we need immediate improvements, alongside a firm commitment to delivering DART+ South West, noticeably absent in the recent Budget 2027 announcements.

 

Paul Gogarty TD, Independent

Working with Cllr Helen Farrell
Not just at election time
Dail office: 01-6184078
Whatsapp: 089-2364871
Website: www.paulgogarty.com

St Ed's Protest: For anyone reading this before Saturday afternoon, a reminder of the protest commencing at the Eagle gates at 2pm.

Dail Report: The Dail wasn't sitting on Wednesday due to the various strikes (and I've raised multiple related pay issues in multiple debates over the last two years), but I did get to contribute to Dail and Committee debates on Tuesday and Thursday, including the aforementioned public sector pay, energy pricing, employment equality and institutional burials.

Esker Lane North flooding: Good to see the Council out during the week, following further representations, to try and fix the root cause. Hopefully this will see improvements, even during heavy rainfall.

Antisocial behaviour: I continue to raise issues at local and national level in conjunction with my colleague Helen.

 

Cllr. Liona O Toole, Independent Peace Commissioner

0872795274.
lotoole@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
www.lotoole.com
Your Independent Voice!

Protecting Lucan's Green Spaces: This Monday 19th October Councillors will make final decisions on Variation No. 2 of the County Development Plan. I secured support during the first round to retain Finnstown Castle lands as Open Space and St Edmundsbury lands as High Amenity. Both are now back for consideration and I will again propose motions to protect their existing zoning. I have also worked to secure Specific Local Objectives linking further development around Adamstown to essential transport and community infrastructure.

Two Walks, One Community Voice takes place Saturday 17th October. Walks start at Finnstown Castle Hotel's main entrance and St Edmundsbury by The Eagles entrance starting at 2pm meeting in Lucan Village. Thank you to everyone organising and supporting these peaceful community walks. I'll update residents after Monday's meeting.

Follow @cllrlionaotoole on facebook, Instagram, TikTok