On this week’s Disability Matters, John Comiskey sits down with Cllr. Angela Donnelly, Councillor for the Ongar Local Electoral Area on Fingal County Council and board member of Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
From housing and infrastructure to accessibility and community development, the conversation offers a thoughtful and honest insight into the realities of local government—and the challenges faced by those working to make communities more inclusive.
Angela begins by outlining the broad role of Fingal County Council, which covers a wide and diverse area of North County Dublin, including Swords, Balbriggan, Rush, Lusk, and Dublin 15. While the council carries significant responsibility—from housing delivery and planning to roads, parks, and community services—she explains that councillors themselves often act as advocates rather than decision-makers.
“There’s a misconception about what councillors can do,” she says. “I will ask, I will push, I will follow up—but I can’t always guarantee the outcome.”
A key focus of the discussion is housing, particularly in the context of Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis. Angela highlights the complexity of funding structures, where central government provides funding for housing, but local authorities must find resources for infrastructure such as roads and access routes.
She also speaks about current development planning, including efforts to increase residential zoning and accelerate housing delivery. However, she notes that building homes is only part of the solution.
“It’s not just about building houses—it’s about building communities,” she explains. “We need to ensure people have a voice, that communities are supported, and that infrastructure grows alongside development.”
Angela’s path into politics was not a traditional one. Initially stepping in as a “reserve” candidate, she was co-opted into the role and quickly discovered a passion for the work.
“I never planned it,” she admits. “But once you’re in it, it becomes very hard to step away. You really want to make a difference.”
Now re-elected and fully immersed in the role, she describes a typical day as fast-paced and varied—balancing council meetings, community events, casework, and constant communication with residents.
Much of her work involves responding directly to local concerns, particularly around accessibility. She shares practical examples of working with residents with disabilities to identify barriers in their daily routes—and successfully advocating for improvements.
“If someone shows me the challenges they face, I can bring that directly to the council,” she says. “And Fingal are very responsive when they understand the real impact.”
Her involvement with BCIL is clearly close to her heart. As a board member and secretary, she speaks passionately about the importance of independent living and the hidden costs of disability.
“It’s more expensive to live with a disability,” she reflects. “People rely on essential equipment that needs electricity—wheelchairs, hoists—and that adds to the financial pressure.”
Angela emphasises the importance of awareness, accessibility, and universal design in all aspects of planning—from footpaths and crossings to housing and public spaces.
“People don’t always realise how difficult everyday things can be,” she says. “What seems small to one person can be a major barrier to another.”
Despite the challenges, her commitment to community engagement remains strong. Whether attending local clean-ups, supporting residents’ groups, or advocating within the council, she sees these connections as vital.
“It’s about being present, listening, and doing what you can,” she says.
The conversation closes on a note of appreciation for the work of organisations like BCIL and the importance of continued advocacy.
Contact Details: angela.donnelly@cllrs.fingal.ie, 0876730137
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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Compiled by Valentyna Hordiichuk