As a resident of Adamstown since 2017, I have watched the area grow at an unprecedented pace. Thousands of new homes have been built, yet the infrastructure and public services have not kept up. The result is a noticeable decline in the quality of life for residents.

Public transport is already overwhelmed. Trains and buses are overcrowded during peak hours, making the daily commute stressful and unreliable. Newcastle Road and Lucan Village experience frequent traffic congestion, with commuting becoming increasingly difficult.

Schools, preschools, and creches are full, forcing many families to look for childcare outside the area, adding even more traffic and inconvenience. There is also a shortage of GP services, making it extremely difficult for new residents to access basic healthcare.

Community facilities are lacking. There is only one gym serving the area, and there are far too few parks, recreational facilities, and green spaces for the growing population. A public green space near Finnstown Castle, including a dog park, would provide a much-needed amenity for local residents.

There are also growing concerns about anti-social behaviour and violence in the area, yet there is no Garda station serving this rapidly expanding community. As the population continues to increase, investment in policing and community safety should be a priority.

For these reasons, I strongly oppose any further high-density residential development on the Finnstown Castle lands. Adamstown has already accommodated substantial housing growth. What the area needs now is investment in schools, childcare, healthcare, transport, policing, and green spaces - not more high-density housing estates.

The Finnstown Castle grounds should be protected as a public green space that enhances the wellbeing of current and future residents and helps restore the balance between development and quality of life.