In the run up to this years Local Elections taking place in June, The Carrigdhoun will be speaking to candidates who have been ratified by their party or Independents, in both the Carrigaline Local Electoral Area and the Bandon-Kinsale Electoral Area.
Eoghan was born and raised in Passage West where he lives today with his partner and their baby son. He currently works for Cork City Council where has developed a thorough knowledge of how local government works. It is here where he has seen both the challenges and opportunities that face our local communities daily. He is deeply involved in local sports clubs across GAA, Soccer and Golf in both a playing and coaching role.
Journey to Politics:
Eoghan has been a member of the local Sinn Féin Cumann since the age of 18. Eoghan’s family have been involved in politics and Sinn Féin for generations going back to his grandmother and late grandfather. Eoghan has been Sinn Féin’s representative for the Carrigaline area for the past four years. He is passionate about representing communities and standing up for workers and families. Eoghan has worked hard to help people with the issues that affect their daily lives.
When the chance came for Eoghan to be the public face of the party in 2020 it was something he took great honour and pride in. Even working in the capacity of an area representative and not being an elected councillor has given Eoghan so much satisfaction and understanding of the role of a councillor and the positive impact a strong and vocal councillor can have on our communities.
On the Housing Crisis:
There are clear deficits in the provision of housing in Carrigaline, Passage West and surrounding areas. After a long battle with government, Carrigaline was finally added to the Rent Pressure Zones. “This is a first step to providing security for families in the area.” Eoghan said. “We believe that the only way forward is a change in policy that would put workers and families first and allow ordinary people a chance at secure, affordable accommodation. The Housing Delivery Action Plan for 2022-2026 found that the Council needed to build 342 homes in these areas to meet the social housing need. Unfortunately, the government’s low targets left a deficit of almost 100 homes. Alongside this, the Council only identified ability to deliver 60 affordable homes across all these areas. This target is far below the real demand” Eoghan told The Carrigdhoun. Eoghan believes that Cork County Council need to publish a clear plan to ensure that 342 social homes are delivered in the Carrigaline Municipal District before 2026 and to identify further areas for the delivery of affordable purchase and cost-rental homes in the Carrigaline Municipal District. “It would be in Cork County Council interest to explore the ability to utilise the Buy and Renew scheme in areas with high levels of vacancy to bridge the gap between current delivery plans and predicted needs” Eoghan concluded.
On Bus Services:
Buses are a huge source of frustration for people locally. Eoghan and Sinn Féin believe that public transport must be accessible, affordable, and reliable. This is the only way to make sustainable transport a viable alternative to driving. “We recognise the potential of BusConnects in delivering on this, but the reality is that the existing system now needs temporary reform urgently. Having met with SIPTU, the NBRU, Bus Eireann and the NTA we believe there is an urgent need to invest in Bus Eireann. We believe that the best solution to this is employ an additional 30 bus drivers at €1.25m, reintroduce the space drivers, a commitment from the NTA to retain all directly awarded bus service in Cork with no competitive tendering and finally a full review of the fine system to ensure it is not unfairly impacting on peripheral bus stops.”
On Improved Community Policing:
The growth right across the towns and villages in the Carrigaline LEA has not been matched with a growth in policing presence. A failure to adequately resource the Gardaí has seen the stations hours cut back, the station in Passage West closed and now there appears to only be one squad car stationed in Carrigaline. People want to see a visible Garda presence; this makes them feel safe and it is vital. The loss of the community Garda has seen a disconnect between our Garda and our communities. We do not believe the model of centralising our Garda force has worked. To help combat the rise in antisocial behaviour Eoghan recommends that Carrigaline Garda Station is opened 24/7, and Passage Garda Station reopened with an increased allocation of Gardaí and resources.
On Why People Should Vote For Me:
“As a young father and worker, Eoghan understands the challenges facing families today.” Eoghan says. In Eoghan’s time as an area representative he has been involved in bringing about positive changes in the area from introducing legislation to end the rent pressure loophole in Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Ballygarvan all areas south of the Owenabue river affecting approx.1200 renters, enhanced road resurfacing, installations of new bus stops, on the core committee of the Passage West Christmas market, raised €3,200 for Pieta House last Christmas all from an unelected position. I hope to be given a mandate by the people of the Carrigaline LEA to bring a strong hard-working voice into the council chamber to represent workers and families. Eoghan feels he can bring about the much needed and talked about change from within the council chambers and by being embedded in his community.
Eoghan is standing up for real change and with your support he will be a strong voice for the Carrigaline LEA on Cork County Council. The Carrigaline LEA needs a Sinn Féin seat at the table and the people of Passage West, Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Ringaskiddy and the surrounding areas need a strong councillor who is committed to representing workers, families and our comminates right across the area.
In the lead up to the elections which take place in June, constituents can contact Eoghan via email at EoghanFahySF@gmail.com, on his mobile 086 3721294, on Facebook Eoghan Fahy – Sinn Féin Candidate, Instagram EoghanFahySF, and on X EoghanFahy.