Ciarán Cuffe is an architect and planner from Shankill with a strong track record of campaigning and achievement. He worked hard to introduce the Home Energy Savings Scheme for people to improve their home insulation, which in turn creates construction jobs and reduces heating bills. Ciarán set up the “Vision for Dún Laoghaire” group to attract new businesses and shops, brighten up the town, and save the Festival of World Cultures. He is  promoting healthy eating for children, school gardens and local markets. He published laws to tackle climate change and noise pollution, and protect our heritage.  He is working to extend the Luas from Cherrywood to Shankill and Bray. This January he ensured that bikes are allowed on off-peak DARTs.

In the Dáil as Minister of State for Planning, he reformed our laws to put the needs of communities ahead of developers. He didn’t take a ministerial car or driver and prefers to cycle, walk, or use public transport. In Dún Laoghaire he campaigned to save the green belt, and stood up to high-rise development and corrupt rezoning.

He is a keen gardener and sailor, has two young children, and is a member of An Taisce and Amnesty International.