Fingal West Election 2024: Who are the candidates and who could make gains? Everything you need to know before voting

Areas near Dublin Airport from Dublin North West have now been incorporated into Fingal West.

Current TDs such as Louise O'Reilly (Sinn Féin) and Joe O'Brien (Green Party) will defend their seats, while Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fáil) and Grace Boland (Fine Gael) will hope to get into Dáil Éireann.

Councillor Robert O'Donoghue joins the race for Labour, hoping to maintain the party's foothold.

In the 2020 Sinn Féin wave, O'Reilly topped the poll, while Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fáil) and Joe O'Brien comfortably retained their seats. Darragh O'Brien will now contest Fingal East.

With only three seats and a broader field this time, competition will be fierce, with each party aiming to secure a seat in this reshaped constituency.

Current TDs Louise O'Reilly (Sinn Féin), Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fáil), Joe O'Brien (Green Party), Alan Farrell (Fine Gael), and Duncan Smith (Labour).

Who could make gains? Sinn Féin's Louise O'Reilly is well-positioned to be re-elected, having topped the poll in 2020 with a significant surplus. However, recent controversies surrounding her party could have an effect on voters.

Labour councillor Robert O'Donoghue, who has a strong local presence, may also be poised to make gains, especially if the party's historical support in Rush-Lusk translates into votes.

Clifford-Lee's profile as a senator brings significant experience and gives her a chance.

The inclusion of candidates like Boland and independent Tony Murphy could disrupt the dynamics, while the presence of John Oakes from the Irish Freedom Party and Robbie Loughlin from Aontú add another layer of competition for voters potentially seeking an alternative to the current government.

Are there any boundary changes that could be crucial? By splitting the former five-seat constituency into two three-seaters, Fingal West now includes areas from Dublin North West, particularly near Dublin Airport.

This shift could alter voting patterns, as new demographics and priorities come into play.

In the 2020 election, O'Reilly capitalised on a significant wave of support, while established candidates like Darragh O'Brien and Joe O'Brien held their seats.

The final seat was a competitive battle, highlighting the importance of every vote in a smaller constituency.

What issues are under the spotlight? Fingal West faces significant challenges in providing affordable housing, exacerbated by rapid population growth as one of the fastest growing areas in the country, which puts a strain on the housing market and local amenities.

Infrastructure concerns, particularly transport, are also pressing, with residents frustrated by traffic congestion and public transport, especially on the northern commuter line.

Candidates are expected to focus on improving transport links, including speeding up the introduction of the Dart+ and MetroLink to Fingal West.

The need for enhanced pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is crucial to promote sustainable transport, while improvements to roads and footpaths will also be raised by voters.

Fingal's coastal erosion, especially in Rush and Skerries, poses a serious threat to homes, infrastructure and natural habitats. While some protective measures have been implemented, long-term solutions remain a challenge, making it a key issue for the election.

Additionally, the expansion of Dublin Airport raises concerns about increased traffic, noise pollution and its impact on housing.

Louise O'Reilly (Sinn Féin) *

Joe O'Brien (Green Party) *

Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fáil)

Tony Murphy (Independent)

Robert O'Donoghue (Labour Party)

Robbie Loughlin (Aontú)

Grace Boland (Fine Gael)

John Oakes (Irish Freedom Party)

Further candidates may be added to the ballot

*indicates a sitting TD

*Currently holds a seat