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Gerry McKeever launches campaign for TD in Donegal: Championing Safer Streets, Affordable Housing, and Real Change for the Future

written by Contributor November 8, 2024

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Letterkenny Barber Gerry McKeever has launched his campaign to represent Donegal in the upcoming 2024 Irish General Election, with a bold vision for safer communities, affordable housing, and a revitalised Ireland.

Running as an Independent candidate, Gerry is setting out to do something about a “rapid decline in freedoms, rights and in society”.

“As a proud Donegal man, I’m running for TD because I believe we need a government that listens to the people and delivers real solutions to the issues that matter most,” said Gerry McKeever, as he announced his candidacy.

“We’re at a critical point in our country’s history. It’s time for a fresh approach. It’s time for action.”

One of the most pressing concerns Gerry is hearing from communities across Donegal is the safety of our streets, especially after dark. “Everywhere I go, people are increasingly worried about the lack of visible Garda presence. This is not just a Donegal problem, it’s a nationwide issue,” Gerry explained.

“The Garda force has seen a dramatic reduction in numbers, and that’s contributing to a growing sense of insecurity in our towns and villages. We must act to restore law and order.”

Gerry points to figures from the past few years, which show a disturbing decline in Garda ranks. “In just three and a half years, up until August 2023, we’ve lost over 5% of our rank and file Gardaí. In the last 10 years, we’ve lost 17% of our traffic corps, and in the last 15 years, over 40%. This has a direct impact on the safety of our streets and communities. As TD, I will work to address this shortage and ensure that our Gardaí are properly supported and incentivised to stay in their jobs.”

A Holistic Approach to Public Safety and Housing

While Gerry believes that restoring public safety will require many steps, he sees a direct link between housing policy and strengthening communities. “Affordable housing is a key piece of the puzzle. If we want to create stronger, safer communities, we need to ensure that the people who serve us, our Gardaí, teachers, nurses, and public servants, can live here too,” he said.

Gerry’s bold housing plan aims to tackle the housing crisis head on, with a target of building 80,000 homes annually across Ireland. “We can’t keep building the same way we have for the last 30 years. We need to innovate and think bigger,” Gerry said. “I propose a major investment in infrastructure, including sewage and water systems, which are critical to any new housing development. More importantly, we need to harness technology to build homes more affordably.”

One of Gerry’s key proposals involves the use of energy efficient, A rated modular homes. “The technology is there to build high quality homes at half the cost of traditional block construction. These modular homes can be built quickly, some are guaranteed for 30 years, and have a shelf life of up to 50 years. Imagine the impact on families who could secure a 1,200 square-foot home with a mortgage under €1,000 a month. This is real affordability.”

Gerry stresses that this housing plan is not just about addressing the housing crisis but also about ensuring affordable living for public servants. “Our Gardaí, nurses, and teachers, they are the backbone of our communities. They deserve homes they can afford. We must incentivise them to stay in Ireland, and we must ensure they can afford to buy a home.”

Strengthening Ireland’s Communities and Infrastructure

Beyond housing, Gerry is committed to a wide-reaching programme of infrastructure investment, with a particular focus on upgrading the national electricity grid. “Our communities need more than just houses, they need the infrastructure that will support long-term growth and resilience,” Gerry says. “By investing in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, we can create sustainable communities that thrive for generations to come.”

Gerry also sees our flagging infrastructure as a bigger threat to corporate Ireland than losing our corporate tax rate.

Tackling the Defective Block Crisis

In addition to his housing and safety policies, Gerry is dedicated to addressing the ongoing defective blocks crisis, which has devastated many families across Donegal and beyond. “This is an issue that has hurt so many people, and we need to ensure that there is a free, easy to navigate application process for redress,” he adds. “My plan will make it easier for those affected to get the support they need, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind.”

Gerry also believes that the process for homeowners wishing to downsize should be simpler and more accessible.

A Vision for a Stronger Ireland

At the core of Gerry’s vision is the belief that a connected, well supported Ireland is a safer, more prosperous Ireland. “The challenges we face are significant, but they are not insurmountable. Together, we can build a brighter future for Donegal and for all of Ireland,” Gerry says. “We need to invest in our people, our communities, and our future. That’s the message I’m bringing to the people of Donegal.”