Crucial constituencies: Dublin Fingal East – Candidates and issues

Tomas Doherty

Dublin Fingal East is one of the new constituencies in this election, making the outcome more uncertain.

Here is everything you need to know about the area before heading to the polls on November 29th.

The constituency

Dublin Fingal East is a new constituency in one of Ireland’s youngest and fastest growing regions.

It was created after the Electoral Commission’s boundary review recommended splitting Dublin Fingal, which had the biggest population growth in the country since 2016.

The constituency covers Swords, Malahide, Portmarnock and Donabate. The population is 92,366.

The issues

The area’s fast-growing population means demands for housing, transport and public services are high.

The construction of the Metrolink is a big issue for Swords residents, who are still without a direct rail link to Dublin and have to depend on bus services.

The reliability of rail services in Malahide and Portmarnock is also likely to be an election concern after controversial changes earlier this year led to delays, packed platforms and congested trains.

Seats

There are three seats in this new constituency.

The candidates

Three of the outgoing TDs from the old Dublin Fingal constituency are based here and will stand again.

There is a good chance that all three will retain their seats, though Sinn Féin will make an attempt to gain a seat here.

Outgoing TDs

Darragh O'Brien – Fianna Fáil
Alan Farrell – Fine Gael
Duncan Smith – Labour