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.
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 […]
Read moreDespite report after report painting a dire picture of conditions in our care system, the Minister for Children has repeatedly failed to take action, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The severe shortage of special care unit beds is putting the lives of children in danger, and has been for […]
Read moreTUSLA has been told on countless occasions that Special Emergency Arrangements for unaccompanied children are inappropriate and present serious risks, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “My thoughts are with the family of Vadym Davydenko, the Ukrainian teenager who died tragically in Donaghmede on Wednesday. A Garda investigation is now […]
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