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Meet Aidan

I’m Aidan Farrelly, the Social Democrats TD for Kildare North.

I am married to Aisling and have three children: Ella (16), Tadhg (13) and Cillian (9). I have been a professional youth worker and community development worker in Kildare for 16 years.

Working with young people and in communities inspired me to successfully contest the 2019 local elections for the Social Democrats. I believe Kildare deserves its fair share of investment in services for a population of close to 250,000. We need enhanced provision of housing, healthcare, disability services, childcare and school services.

I believe now, more than ever, we need to see Social Democrats policies being government policies. Catherine Murphy has been a mentor and friend throughout my political career, and it is an honour to continue Catherine’s great work.

Kildare schools have the highest average class sizes in Ireland. Kildare has some of the fewest GPs per head of population. As our communities grow, our social infrastructure must grow with them.

Aidan’s Priorities

  • Childcare – Capping childcare fees at €250 per month and rolling out a public model of childcare.
  • Housing – More affordable homes to rent and buy and driving down the cost of housing.
  • Child Poverty – Ending child poverty and child and youth homelessness.
  • Health – Full implementation of the Sláintecare plan for a universal healthcare system, free at the point of use.
  • Public Services – Prioritising investment in quality public services and community facilities.

Latest News

Afterschool activities out of reach for low-income families

More and more families are unable to afford afterschool activities for their children due to skyrocketing costs, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Low-income families are overburdened by being shut out of unaffordable afterschool pursuits for their children, which for many serve as essential childcare – these families are often […]

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Lack of resources in Tusla endangering children

A lack of resources in Tusla is continuing to endanger children, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The new HIQA report is yet another alarm bell that is loudly ringing about inadequate services at Tusla posing risks to children. “It has revealed that it took the agency more than six […]

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Dáil to debate Soc Dems’ Bill on reducing voting age to 16 years

The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ Bill on Thursday calling for a legislative pathway towards reducing the voting age from 18 to 16 years. Deputy Aidan Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “My Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025 is an important piece […]

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