Who is Christopher O’Dwyer?

I was born in Ballyfermot before moving to North Clondalkin at the age of 2 with my parents and older sister, my parents were both from Ballyfermot but my families roots go back to inner city Dublin, in particular the Pearse Street flats and Ballyfinn Co. Laois. I come from a long line of working class people who, like many of us today, had to struggle to survive and provide for their families and like many of their peers (and indeed mine) some had to leave Ireland for the UK and the US. I was educated in St. Lorcan’s BNS in Palmerstown before moving to Moyle Park College for secondary school, I did not know what I wanted to do after secondary school but I knew I wanted to work with people. I decided to train as a Special Needs Assistance in the Liberties, I did my practically placement in Scoil Mochua in Clondalkin and started working as a classroom assistant after I completed my training. I have worked as a carer and later as a Youth Worker but since 2015 I have been working in homeless services in various roles and settings from day services to emergency accommodation provision.

I got involved in the Labour Party because I believe the party has learned from the 2011 coalition with Fine Gael and has gone back to its core values and issues. In 2019 I made the decision to join the Labour Party after reading their policies on health, housing, education, equality and workers rights, I joined in the middle of the 2019 bye-election which was a baptism of fire to say the least. Following my involvement in 2019 I was asked to take a bigger role for the upcoming 2020 General Election. The minute the election was called I was able to take three weeks off work and committed myself full time to the campaign. Since joining the Party I have been quick to raise the issues affecting the people of North Clondalkin and Palmerstown.

My vision for Palmerstown-Fonthill:

Is of a community where everyone has a place to call home, a voice in their community and local supports to address all of their ne eds.

My priorities for the area are rather simple:

• Affordable and good quality public housing on public land

• A primary care centre for the people of North Clondalkin and Palmerstown

• Better public transport that is reliable, safe and consistent

• Better local infrastructure to support the existing residents and future residents

• Equal rights of access for all the residents of North Clondalkin and Palmerstown

• Better investment in local environmental services to remove litter and illegally dumped rubbish across the area

My Mission

My mission is to continuously advocate for the local government to improve the lives of all residents of Palmerstown-Fonthill and to better the area by increasing funding for local support services, improved amenities for our young people and a better quality of life for all.

My Values are:

• Modelling the way - leading by example

• Inspiring a shared vision

• Challenging the process - the status quo

• Enabling other to act - empowering residents to stand up

• Encouraging the heart

• Putting words into action

Please feel free to reach out to me for support and assistance.