Newly elected Kildare senator says it's time to rethink housing
Kildare businessman who set up a network of addiction services outlines his aims
Housing needs will be one of the top priorities for newly elected senator and Naas man Aubrey McCarthy.
Housing, he says, is not a privilege.
Sen McCarthy is best known for leading the development of Tiglin, which works with people suffering with addiction as well as the 34 unit Jigginstown Manor in Naas providing independent living and comprehensive services for young adults and care leavers from County Kildare.
“It is shocking to think that 146 people in Kildare are registered as homeless, “ he says.
He believes the housing crisis is one of the most urgent issues.
He has dedicated much of his time to finding innovative solutions, from leading Tiglin’s development of Ireland’s first carbon-neutral social housing project in Bluebell, Dublin, to his work on delivering 388 new social and affordable homes.
“It is time to rethink housing policy to ensure sustainable, inclusive communities. This means increasing State-led mixed housing developments, improving supply, and ensuring tailored housing allowances for those in need. We must streamline planning processes to deliver affordable homes quickly.”
He says stepping into the role as senator is an honour and a responsibility which he doesn’t take lightly.
“My journey here has been shaped by lived experience - the challenges I faced growing up in Naas and by my work in social enterprise, addiction recovery, housing, and education,” he says.
These strengthen his commitment to tackling some of the most pressing issues.
He has worked on the frontlines of social justice for over two decades and witnessed the struggles of those left behind by the system.
“I have seen what is possible when we reimagine solutions. My focus will be on enacting meaningful change in five key areas: housing, education, sustainability, economic opportunity, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.”
He describes education as the “great equaliser" since it has the power to break poverty, addiction, and homelessness.
“Through my work at Tiglin and as chair of the Tivoli Training Centre, I have seen the life-changing impact of accessible education.”
He has pledged to fight to remove barriers to education for the most vulnerable, champion greater access to play therapy and family support services for children affected by trauma, and promote flexible learning pathways to support people of all backgrounds in reaching their potential.