Policies for Rurals
Here's what the parties would do for you.
Climate Action and Nature
€5 billion renewable energy investment. Solar panels on 500,000 homes. €1.5 billion Fair Transition Fund for farmers.
Ireland faces €8 billion in fines if we don't meet our international climate targets by 2030. We need a revised plan that's actually achievable and …
Why this matters to you: Fair Transition Fund for farmers, community-owned wind farms
€5 billionCommunity Banking for Ireland
Full current account banking through credit unions and post offices. Debit cards and online banking for all.
Banks have abandoned rural Ireland. Post offices and credit unions are left without full banking capabilities. Germany has 400 community banks. Ireland has none. That …
Why this matters to you: Full banking through credit unions and post offices where banks have closed
Rural and Regional Development
Regional assemblies with real power. Community banking. Community-owned wind farms. Broadband and remote working hubs.
Rural Ireland has been left behind by decades of Dublin-centric policy. Towns are hollowed out, services are centralised away, and young people leave because there's …
Why this matters to you: Regional assemblies with real power, community banking, broadband hubs
Transport as a Public Good
€1 off-peak fares. Free transport for under-18s. MetroLink and DART expansion. Double rural Local Link funding.
Ireland's public transport is underfunded, inconsistent, and increasingly privatised. Rural areas are almost entirely car-dependent. The Social Democrats would treat transport as a public good, …
Why this matters to you: Double Local Link funding, Western Rail Corridor
Energy: Security, Affordability and Sustainability
Free solar panels for low-income homes. Double solar grants to €3,600. 80% renewable electricity by 2030. Net exporter of clean energy.
Ireland imports most of its energy, leaving households vulnerable to international price shocks. We need a homegrown energy revolution that cuts bills, creates jobs and …
Why this matters to you: Community-owned wind farms, free solar panels for low-income homes
€5 billion renewable investmentAn Ghaeilge: Protecting and Reviving Irish
Full implementation of 20-Year Strategy. Housing policy for Gaeltacht areas. Support Gaeilge communities nationwide.
The Irish language is a priceless socioeconomic and cultural asset, yet Gaeltacht communities face socioeconomic disadvantage and the number of daily speakers continues to decline. …
Why this matters to you: Housing policy for Gaeltacht areas, economic stimulus for Gaeltacht communities