Our Policies

Executive Summary

Donegal continues to experience a severe housing crisis. Thousands of households remain on social housing waiting lists while many local authority homes stand vacant. Homelessness in Ireland is rising, with more than 15,000 people in emergency accommodation nationally, including thousands of children, reflecting a deepening national emergency.

The 100 Percent Redress Party’s plan focuses on practical, long‐term solutions tailored to Donegal’s specific challenges. It prioritises better use of existing resources, the accelerated delivery of new homes, support for families and young people, and accountability in housing delivery.

There are more than 3,150 households on Donegal County Council’s social housing waiting list.

A significant number of local authority properties in Donegal remain vacant. At the end of 2025, there were 145 vacant homes owned by the council, more than half of which were unavailable for letting because they are affected by defective concrete blocks. A local authority vacancy rate of just over 3 per cent was recorded, higher than the national average in some areas.

Between the 2016 and 2022 censuses, Donegal’s housing stock grew by only 2 per cent and the number of properties classified as vacant remained high, indicating persistent underuse of existing housing stock.

These pressures are compounded by rising rents. In Donegal, average weekly rents increased by nearly 29 per cent between 2016 and 2022, making private accommodation increasingly unaffordable.

The party’s approach to housing is guided by the following principles:

● Housing is a basic human need and a foundation of stable communities.

● Local solutions must be rooted in evidence and tailored to Donegal’s realities.

● Existing resources should be used efficiently to provide homes as quickly as possible.

● Rural communities should be supported in ways that sustain local families and employment.

● Transparency and accountability are essential in housing delivery.

3.1 Use of Reserved Funds for Social Housing

Local authorities must deploy funds held in reserve to kick‐start the building of new social housing. These resources should be targeted at areas of greatest need, reducing waiting lists and delivering homes without delay.

3.2 Swift Reoccupation of Vacant Local Authority Homes

Local authority properties must not remain unused. Where a tenancy ends, the property should be prepared and offered to a household on the waiting list within two weeks. This will reduce waste, ensure better use of public assets and increase available housing more quickly.

3.3 Streamlined Planning for New Homes

Planning processes for both developers and individuals must be efficient and transparent. Applications for new homes should be prioritised and fast‐tracked, with a particular focus on supporting young people and families with established community ties in rural areas. This will help ensure people can build homes near jobs, schools and relatives.

3.4 Partnerships for Modular Housing Solutions

Local authorities should enter into partnerships with providers of modular homes to expand housing supply. Modular homes can be delivered more rapidly than traditional builds and can play a key role in addressing shortage pressures, including for social and transitional housing.

3.5 Quarterly Public Reporting and Accountability

Local authorities will publish quarterly reports detailing progress across key indicators:● Social and affordable homes complete

● Vacant and occupied social housing stock
● Planning processing times
● Progress on modular home initiatives

Publicly accessible reporting will empower communities to track delivery and hold decision‐makers accountable.

Housing insecurity affects people’s ability to work, form stable family lives, and contribute to their communities. Families unable to find permanent homes experience stress and disruption, and young people often feel compelled to leave Donegal in search of opportunities elsewhere. Ensuring a sufficient supply of suitable homes is essential for vibrant communities and long‐term economic sustainability.

The defective concrete blocks crisis has exacerbated these pressures, rendering many homes uninhabitable or difficult to sell, further tightening both rental and owner‐occupied markets.

Families displaced by defective concrete issues also face challenges in finding alternatives in an already strained housing market.

Implementation of this policy will:

● Reduce homelessness by increasing the supply of social and affordable homes.

● Ensure more efficient use of existing housing stock.

● Support families and young people to live and work in their communities.

● Provide faster delivery mechanisms for housing through innovation and planning reform.

● Increase transparency and trust in local housing systems.

Many larger parties in Ireland propose housing strategies that emphasise national targets and broad planning reforms. While these can have value, they often fail to address local bottlenecks or the urgent use of existing stock. The 100 Percent Redress Party’s policy differs by:

● Requiring rapid reoccupation of vacant local authority homes.

● Supporting individual builds in rural areas with sympathetic planning.

● Creating partnerships for modular homes to boost supply.

● Setting clear, public reporting metrics for progress.

This policy is tailored to deliver tangible outcomes for Donegal, focusing on practical actions that directly address local shortages and homelessness.

The 100 Percent Redress Party will work tirelessly to ensure every resident in Donegal has access to a secure, affordable home. We will champion effective use of public resources, support family‐focused planning approaches, and promote housing solutions that build resilient, thriving communities.

Executive Summary

Access to health services across Ireland and in Donegal remains stretched, with long waiting lists for hospital care, GP appointments and mental health supports affecting many residents. At Letterkenny University Hospital, the inpatient waiting list rose by 72 per cent in one year and outpatient lists exceeded 14,500 people in late 2025, well above recommended targets.

Primary care, including general practitioner (GP) services, is similarly under pressure. Ireland has roughly 4,500 practising GPs, but workforce growth lags behind population needs, especially in rural areas, and some GP training reports project a continuing shortfall without systemic reform.

Mental health supports have lengthy waiting lists nationally, with primary care psychology lists showing significant increases and thousands of young people waiting for treatment.

The ongoing defective concrete crisis has added to health stress for many families, with research showing elevated rates of anxiety, depression and psychological distress among people living with ongoing housing insecurity. This policy sets out a comprehensive and practical approach to improving physical and mental health outcomes in Donegal and supporting those most affected by long delays, care barriers and complex stressors.

Letterkenny University Hospital has seen a significant rise in inpatient and outpatient waiting lists, reflecting broader national trends of rising demand on public health services. Despite efforts to manage lists, delays in referrals and appointments remain a cause of anxiety and deteriorating health for patients awaiting treatment

The 100 Percent Redress Party’s approach to health services is guided by:

● Health care as a fundamental right for everyone.

● Services that are accessible, timely and community‐centred.

● Coordination across government to reflect the connection between health, housing and social support.

● Strengthening capacity to meet current and projected demand.

● Addressing the broader social determinants of health, including housing insecurity and social stress.

3.1 Coordinated Health and Wellbeing Forum
The Ministers with responsibilities for Health, Mental Health and Older People, Children, Disability, Integration and Youth, and Housing will convene a joint health and wellbeing forum to align strategies, share resources, and ensure responses are calibrated to support both physical and mental health needs at community level.

3.2 Community Health Support Hubs
Establish health support hubs throughout Donegal that provide integrated services including mental health support, primary care guidance, and help with navigating complex application processes for housing and remediation support. These hubs will act as accessible, localised entry points to reduce confusion, fragmentation and stress.

3.3 Expanded Front‐Line Support Capacity
Recruit additional health facilitators, community health workers and administrative staff to improve responsiveness, guide residents through care pathways, and promote early intervention for both physical and mental health concerns.

3.4 Targeted Assistance for Vulnerable Groups
Allocate resources to prioritise support for older adults, people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and young people with mental health needs. Targeted outreach, rapid referral pathways and enhanced coordination across services will help ensure timely and appropriate care.

3.5 Youth and Community Wellbeing Initiatives
Invest in safe, accessible play areas, green spaces, sports facilities and community centres. These spaces support physical activity, social connection and emotional wellbeing for young people and families, particularly in understaffed rural communities.

3.6 Health Support for People Affected by Defective Concrete
Individuals and families affected by defective concrete products will have access to dedicated supports through community hubs, including specialist mental health counselling, peer support networks, and streamlined referrals to relevant clinical services to address the chronic stress associated with prolonged remediation and housing insecurity.

Delays in accessing GP appointments, specialist care, or mental health supports can lead to worsening conditions, increased stress and reduced quality of life. For children and young people, long waits for psychology or CAMHS referrals interrupt education and social development. Localised support hubs and expanded front‐line capacity will help communities access care when they need it most and reduce the isolation and anxiety associated with entrenched waiting lists and service gaps.

Implementation of this policy will deliver:

● Improved access to primary care, including better GP availability and navigation support.

● Reduced waiting times for mental health and physical health services through increased capacity.

● Enhanced community wellbeing via investment in social and recreational infrastructure.

● Dedicated support for people coping with housing‐related health stressors.

● Stronger coordination between government departments responsible for health, housing and social support services.

Many national parties focus health policy on broad funding increases, hospital capacity and structural reform. This policy builds on those priorities and goes further by emphasising community‐level integrated support, multi‐departmental coordination, and dedicated pathways for people affected by housing stress, delivering a strategy that is both evidence‐based and tailored to the lived realities in places like Donegal.

The 100 Percent Redress Party is committed to ensuring that health services in Donegal are accessible, responsive and tailored to community needs. We will advocate for evidence‐based strategies, strengthened local capacity and holistic solutions that connect health, housing and wellbeing to deliver meaningful improvements for residents across the county.

Executive Summary

Tourism is a key economic driver in Donegal, supporting jobs, local businesses, and community vibrancy. The Wild Atlantic Way contributes around three billion euro annually and sustains tens of thousands of jobs across the west of Ireland. Donegal’s landscape, culture, outdoor experiences, and heritage make the county a distinctive visitor destination.

However, the defective concrete crisis has directly affected tourism accommodation and visitor experience. Hotels and guesthouses with affected buildings are closed or perceived as less welcoming, and vacant properties reduce the availability of visitor accommodation. These impacts, combined with transport limitations and infrastructure gaps, limit Donegal’s full tourism potential.

This policy sets out a practical, community-focused approach to support tourism infrastructure, accessibility, transport links, and accommodation recovery, ensuring that visitors can explore and enjoy Donegal and that local communities benefit.

Donegal hosts several signature Wild Atlantic Way destinations, including Sliabh Liag, Fanad Head, and Malin Head, which attract significant visitor numbers. Domestic tourism generates tens of millions of euro in visitor spend each year and supports jobs in hospitality, retail, and service sectors.
Despite these strengths, Donegal receives fewer international visitors than some neighbouring counties. Rural transport limitations, accommodation shortages, and perceptions affected by defective concrete have contributed to lower visitor numbers at smaller attractions and reduced occupancy in accommodation stock.

● Tourism must support sustainable local employment and business viability.

● Infrastructure investment must ensure accessibility and connectivity for visitors.

● Tourism development should benefit communities across Donegal.

● Quality visitor experience relies on safe, attractive accommodation.

● Transport options should support environmentally friendly access and rural mobility.

3.1 Incentivise Tourism Projects
Encourage individuals and enterprises to develop tourism initiatives in rural areas, heritage sites, and sustainable ecotourism ventures. This includes support for new visitor experiences, cultural attractions, and innovative tourism offerings.

3.2 Expand Electric Vehicle Charging and Coach Parking
Develop a network of electric vehicle charging points along key tourism corridors, including the N56 and the A2, and provide suitable coach parking at major sites to make Donegal more accessible and sustainable for visitors.

3.3 Improve Accessibility at Public Facilities
Ensure publicly owned tourist facilities, including parks, historical sites, museums, and trailheads, provide accessible amenities for visitors of all abilities.

3.4 Support Transport for Ireland Local Link Services
Promote and support TFI Local Link services connecting communities, towns, and visitor attractions across Donegal, enhancing access to Glenveagh National Park, Malin Head, Errigal, Dunlewey, Aranmore Island, and Rossnowlagh Beach.

3.5 Promote the Wild Atlantic Way and Cross-Border Links
Enhance Donegal’s presence within the Wild Atlantic Way brand through marketing campaigns that highlight unique attractions, outdoor experiences, and local hospitality offerings. Strengthen cross-border connections to attract more visitors to northern coastal communities.

3.6 Support Tourism Accommodation Recovery
Work with businesses affected by the defective concrete crisis to prioritise remediation and safe reopening of accommodation properties. Public agencies and local authorities should facilitate planning and funding pathways to restore visitor bed capacity.

3.7 Sustainability Measures
Integrate environmental best practices, protecting landscapes, promoting sustainable transport, and supporting low-impact tourism initiatives.

Tourism supports livelihoods across hospitality, retail, and activity services. Accommodation closures or transport limitations reduce visitor numbers, economic benefits, and local employment. Strengthening infrastructure, transport, and tourism offerings ensures sustainable income streams, stronger communities, and improved quality of life for residents as well as visitors.

● Increase visitor numbers and tourism revenue, particularly in rural areas.

● Enhance Donegal’s profile within the Wild Atlantic Way.

● Improve transport connectivity through TFI Local Link, N56, and A2 improvements.

● Support recovery of tourism accommodation impacted by defective concrete.

● Strengthen economic linkages between rural and urban tourism offerings.

● Promote sustainable, environmentally responsible tourism growth.

National party tourism strategies often focus on broad visitor targets, brand marketing, and funding allocations. This policy prioritises local economic participation, infrastructure readiness, and practical transport solutions that improve access for tourists and residents. It places Donegal’s natural and cultural assets at the centre of sustainable growth, while recognising infrastructure and housing challenges that influence visitor experience.

The 100 Percent Redress Party is committed to building a vibrant, resilient tourism sector that benefits communities across Donegal. We will champion investment in infrastructure, transport connectivity, accommodation recovery, and sustainable visitor experiences so that Donegal’s people and places can realise the full potential of their tourism assets.

Young people in Donegal face multiple challenges shaped by economic, social, and structural factors. The county has one of the highest unemployment rates per capita in Ireland, highlighting limited local employment opportunities. Donegal also has a high concentration of DEIS schools — schools serving communities with socio-economic disadvantage — reflecting persistent educational inequality.

The defective concrete crisis continues to disrupt families, creating stress and instability that directly affects children’s wellbeing and schooling. Research shows families living in affected homes experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.

The 100 Percent Redress Party’s youth policy focuses on practical, locally-led support to empower young people, address disadvantage, strengthen wellbeing in education, and provide pathways to skills, training, and meaningful employment. It recognises the importance of inclusive services for students with additional needs, supports families through respite services, and prioritises community-driven solutions.

Donegal has one of the highest numbers of DEIS schools in Ireland, with 119 schools receiving additional supports to address socio-economic disadvantage. Pupils in these schools often face barriers to attainment due to financial hardship, transport difficulties, and limited access to extracurricular programmes.

The 100 Percent Redress Party’s youth policy is guided by:

● Equity for all young people — ensuring rural, disadvantaged, and students with additional needs have equal access to opportunities.

● Skills and employment pathways — apprenticeships, training, and work experience that are locally accessible.

● Education and wellbeing — safe, nurturing school environments, guidance support, and targeted wellbeing programmes.

● Youth voice and empowerment — enabling young people to participate in decision-making, advocate for themselves, and support peers.

● Community-led solutions — grounded in Donegal-first, locally driven approaches that reflect the county’s unique geographic and social context.

3.1 Strengthen Rural and Community-Based Youth Services

Campaign to end structural underfunding in rural communities. Allocate resources to youth clubs, mentoring, and extracurricular programmes that build confidence, skills, and social cohesion. All interventions should be locally led by community members to ensure trust and practical effectiveness.

3.2 Promote Apprenticeships and Skills Development

Encourage collaboration between Donegal Education and Training Board, local employers, and schools to increase awareness of apprenticeships and vocational pathways. Contractors engaged by local authorities should adopt policies encouraging apprentices, with particular focus on students from rural areas, DEIS schools, and those with additional learning needs.

3.3 Targeted Supports in Education

Work with local authorities, schools, and guidance counsellors to expand practical supports for pupils in schools most affected by socio-economic disadvantage and the defective concrete crisis. This includes:

● Emotional and wellbeing support through guidance counsellors, mentoring, and peer networks.

● Access to safe learning environments where housing instability disrupts attendance.

● Targeted programmes for students with additional learning needs, ensuring inclusivity and equity.

3.4 Youth Advisory and Empowerment Network

Establish a Donegal Youth Support Network that enables young people to:

● Share experiences of rural disadvantage, housing instability, and school disruption.

● Engage in peer support, advocacy training, and leadership development.

● Work with community leaders, youth services, and local government to shape policies affecting young people.

3.5 Respite and Family Support Services

Expand respite care and support for families caring for children with additional needs or under stress due to housing crises. Respite services will provide short-term care, access to community-based supports, and relief to parents and caregivers, contributing to improved wellbeing and stability for children.

Supporting young people strengthens Donegal communities. Inclusive education, apprenticeships, mentoring, youth networks, and respite services:

● Reduce disadvantage and isolation.

● Improve educational outcomes and mental wellbeing.

● Enable young people to contribute meaningfully to community life.

● Build resilience and capacity in families and communities facing socio-economic and housing challenges.

● Improved access to apprenticeships, training, and employment opportunities.

● Reduced barriers for rural, disadvantaged, and students with additional needs.

● Enhanced wellbeing supports in schools and community settings.

● Targeted support for pupils from families affected by defective concrete, reducing educational disruption.

● Empowered young people contributing to community decision-making.

● Strengthened family support through respite services.

The 100 Percent Redress Party is committed to practical, community-led solutions that reflect the lived realities of Donegal young people. By addressing education inequality, wellbeing, skills development, and housing-related disruption, we aim to give hope, opportunity, and empowerment to the next generation; keeping young people connected, supported, and thriving in their own county.

Executive Summary

Donegal faces a crisis of public trust in governance, particularly around issues like the defective concrete scandal, where lack of transparency and accountability has delayed remediation and left families uncertain and frustrated. The 100 Percent Redress Party believes that public office must operate with clarity, openness, and accountability, ensuring residents understand how decisions are made and how public funds are spent.

Our approach recognises that good governance starts locally, with Donegal councillors, Deputies and authorities held to the highest standards of transparency, while also advocating nationally for systemic improvements that are realistic and achievable.

● Housing and Defective Concrete Crisis: Families continue to live with unsafe homes due to defective concrete blocks. Lack of transparency at council and national level has slowed grant approvals and decision-making. Families report confusion over application status, grant disbursements, and remediation priorities.

● Public Trust: Residents have limited visibility into councillors’ interests, planning decisions, or procurement processes. This undermines confidence in local governance and fuels frustration with bureaucratic delays.

● Local Leadership Matters: As Donegal’s only fully local party, we understand that accountability and openness are critical to effective governance, especially in a county where the impact of policy decisions is acutely felt.

The 100 Percent Redress Party’s transparency policy is guided by:

1. Openness: Citizens have the right to know how decisions are made and how public money is spent.
2. Accessibility: Public information must be easy to access, understandable, and published in a timely manner.
3. Accountability: Councillors and public officials are responsible for decisions and must be answerable to the communities they serve.
4. Local Focus: All measures will be implemented in a Donegal-first context, prioritising issues most relevant to our residents.
5. Proactive Oversight: Transparency is a mechanism to prevent mistakes, corruption, and undue delays, not an optional exercise.

3.1 Publish Registers of Members’ Interests Monthly
Require all Donegal local councillors to update and publish their Register of Members’ Interests on a monthly basis, including financial, business, and other relevant affiliations. This builds trust and allows residents to understand potential conflicts of interest.

3.2 Transparent Planning Processes
Ensure that all planning applications made by councillors or executive members are published openly, with timelines, approvals, and decision-making rationale accessible to the public. This prevents conflicts of interest and increases accountability for local developments.

3.3 Public Participation in Council Meeting
Introduce mechanisms for residents to submit questions or motions to be addressed at council meetings, ensuring that the public voice is part of the decision-making process. Questions should be responded to in writing and recorded in minutes to maintain accountability.

3.4 Procurement and Supplier Transparency

Require local authorities to publish monthly details of all amounts invoiced by suppliers of concrete, concrete blocks, and related building materials, including contracts, payments, and project details. This measure directly addresses the defective concrete crisis, allowing residents to track remediation progress and spending.

3.5 Advocate for Realistic National-Level Transparency

While the 100 Percent Redress Party cannot compel the publication of certain protected reports, we will continue to advocate for practical national-level transparency reforms, including:

● Strengthening reporting standards for local authorities.

● Improving procurement oversight.

● Supporting mechanisms for citizens to hold elected officials accountable.

All advocacy is framed realistically, acknowledging legal and constitutional limits.

● Restoring Trust: Clear, accessible information empowers residents, enabling informed engagement and reducing frustration.

● Community Oversight: Transparency ensures that decisions about housing, contracts, and public funds are visible, reducing opportunities for inefficiency or mismanagement.

● Empowering Donegal Residents: By providing visibility into council decisions, families affected by defective concrete can better understand and influence processes that affect their homes and wellbeing.

● Long-Term Governance Culture: Embedding transparency at the local level encourages a culture of accountability, making future crises easier to manage and reducing the burden on citizens.

● Regular, up-to-date publication of councillors’ interests.

● Accessible, transparent planning decisions by councillors and executive members.

● Active participation of residents in council question processes.

● Clear tracking of concrete procurement, contracts, and expenditures.

● Increased public trust in local governance and decision-making processes.

The 100 Percent Redress Party is committed to strong, transparent, and accountable governance in Donegal. We will lead by example, implementing transparency measures locally and advocating for realistic national reforms, ensuring that the voices of residents — particularly those impacted by housing crises — are heard, respected, and acted upon.

A significant number of homes in Donegal remain affected by defective concrete, causing disruption and stress for families. The 100 Percent Redress Party will ensure full redress for all affected properties, including homes, rentals, garages, and community buildings.

Without full remediation, families face ongoing financial, emotional, and safety risks.

● Deliver grants covering full rebuilding costs for all affected properties

● Release emergency funding to the most vulnerable residents

● Publish monthly application progress and funding statistics for transparency

● Strengthen local building controls and inspections

● Advocate for accountability and improved regulations

Donegal residents will receive timely support, remediation will be transparent, and building safety will be improved to prevent future crises.

Rental availability in Donegal is below the national average, leaving many families struggling to find homes. The defective concrete crisis has further reduced housing options. The 100 Percent Redress Party will deliver increased housing availability and support for families, prioritising local communities.

Safe, affordable housing is essential for families, young people, and rural communities to thrive.

● Deploy local authority funds for social housing projects

● Reoccupy vacant local authority properties quickly

● Fast-track planning for new homes and sympathetic rural family builds

● Partner with modular home providers to accelerate housing availability

Families and communities in Donegal gain access to safe, affordable homes with reduced delays and stronger local oversight.

Youth in Donegal face challenges including disrupted education, housing instability, and limited employment opportunities. The 100 Percent Redress Party will strengthen supports and empower young people, particularly those affected by defective concrete and housing crises.

Educational disadvantage, youth unemployment, and social isolation undermine opportunities for young people to thrive locally.

● Strengthen youth clubs, mentoring, and extracurricular programmes

● Promote apprenticeships and training pathways with local employers

● Provide targeted school support, including guidance and mentoring, for students affected by defective concrete

● Establish a Donegal Youth Advisory and Support Network

● Expand respite and support services for families

Young people gain skills, wellbeing support, and empowerment to build a future in Donegal, while communities benefit from stronger youth engagement and opportunity.

Lack of transparency in Donegal governance has worsened the defective concrete crisis, delaying remediation and public trust. The 100 Percent Redress Party will ensure local governance is open, accountable, and responsive, while advocating for realistic national reforms.

Residents need confidence that public funds, planning, and remediation processes are transparent and accountable.

● Publish councillors’ Registers of Interests monthly

● Make planning applications submitted by councillors or executives publicly available

● Enable residents to submit questions to council meetings, with formal responses recorded

● Publish invoices from concrete suppliers monthly to track remediation spending

● Advocate realistically for national transparency reforms, including improved reporting standards and procurement oversight

Residents in Donegal gain confidence in local governance, can monitor remediation progress, and participate actively in decision-making