Sinn Féin work hard in our local communities, we always have. As Irish republicans, we believe that decisions should be made as close to the people as possible.

We have resisted every effort by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to take power away from our local councils.

In every decade since the partition of our country, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have followed a colonial policy of centralisation. To this day, they continue to grab power from local councils and retain control over functions that should be devolved locally.

This State now has one of the most centralised political systems in Europe.

Ireland needs real reform of local government and the power structure our politics.

In recent years, town councils have been abolished, while powers in housing and planning, water and waste have all been centralised or privatised. This is where change needs to start.

And crucially, Sinn Féin believe that decisions should be made by those who are elected by the people, not unelected council managers or executives.

Our vision for Dublin includes:

• Putting the delivery of social and affordable housing back at the top of the Council agenda.

• Making your Council work better for you; consulting, listening, and delivering for the community.

• Tackling red tape and delays at local authority level, particularly in relation to planning and the delivery of housing and infrastructure.

• Bringing waste collection services back under the control of local Councils.

• Abolishing the Local Property Tax.

• Exploring the introduction of a Tourist Tax to fund local Councils.

• Getting local Councils back doing the things they once did well including the maintenance of roads, delivering local services - including waste services, cleaning our streets, and delivering and maintaining homes for which they are responsible.

• Working hard to improve their local areas by investing in public spaces, leisure and sports facilities, transport infrastructure and the local environment.