Working for a greener Dublin for over 30 years

Living and working in Dublin for almost all of my life, I have seen our city go through a lot of changes. I first got into politics in the 1980s because I was passionate about protecting Dublin’s heritage. I also wanted better public transport for Dubliners, including a light-rail system (i.e. the Luas). Over 30 years later, the people of Dublin have been good enough to elect me as a Councillor for Dublin’s south and north inner city areas, as a TD for Dún Laoghaire, and as an MEP.
My campaign for better, greener transport for all continued as the lead Green MEP on the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism committee (TRAN). I delivered and voted for laws to reduce energy bills, deliver warmer homes for all, and boost the rollout of renewable energy projects on the Industry & Energy committee (ITRE). I was proud to vote alongside my political group, the Greens/EFA - a progressive force fighting for a fairer, greener future for Europe.

2024

MEPs grant final approval to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

2023

Launched re-election to Europe campaign with Grace O’Sullivan, and new candidate Senator Pauline O’Reilly

Final agreement reached with Energy Performance of Buildings Directive co-negotiators

2022

Appointed rapporteur, Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

Co-negotiator, ReFuelEU Aviation

2021

Wrote ‘Cuffe Report’ on the Renovation Wave

Launched Capel Street study with Minister Malcolm Noonan

2020

President, EU Forum on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EUFORES)

2019

Elected as an MEP for Dublin

MSc in Cities, London School of Economics

2017

Visiting lecturer, Beijing Institute of Technology, China

2016

Founded Infirmary Road community garden

Initiated safer speed limits on Dublin City Council

2014

Elected to Dublin City Council, North Inner City ward

2013

Founded MSc in Urban Regeneration and Development, TUDublin

2012

Campaigning to save Moore Street

2010

Appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Climate Action

Head of Irish Delegation, COP16 Climate Conference, Mexico

Negotiated Planning and Development Bill

2009

Participated in COP15 Climate Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark

2007

Re-elected to Dáil Éireann

Launched 'Dublin Bay Bill'

Campaigned for Dún Laoghaire Baths

2006

Held ‘Reclaim College Green’ event

2005

Organiser, Civic Forum on Climate Change conference

Published Neighbourhood Noise Bill

Organiser, ‘Dublin Bay Futures’ conference

2004

Co-founder ‘Just Citizenship’ campaign

2003

Organised conference on tackling racism

2002

Elected as a TD for Dún Laoghaire

2001

UNDP consultant on urban planning, Montenegro

2000

EU urban planning expert, Kaliningrad, Russia

1999

Re-elected to Dublin City Council, South-East Inner City ward

1997

Urban planning lecturer, Dublin Institute of Technology

1996

Founded Dublin Free Bicycles scheme

MSc in Urban and Regional Planning, University College Dublin

1995

Campaigned for cycle lanes on O'Connell Street

1993

Initiated Living Over the Shop project, South City Markets, Dublin

1992

Letter to the Irish Times on constitutional change

Director, Green Street Trust, a housing charity

1991

Elected to Dublin City Council, South Inner City ward

1990

Worked with Franco Mancuso Architects, Venice, Italy

1989

Awarded Bachelor of Architecture, University College Dublin

Awarded scholarship by Italian Government for urban conservation, Venice

1988

Founder member, Students Against the Destruction of Dublin

1987

Campaigned with students to 'Save Our City'

Campaigned for the return of trams to Dublin

Cycled across France to Spain

1986

Seamanship instructor, Glenáns Sailing Club

1985

Cycled coast-to-coast across America

Worked with Paul Rudolph Architects, New York City

1984

Placed Temple of Peace for nuclear disarmament in University College Dublin

1982

Article by the late Michael Viney, inspiring Ciarán to join the Green Party

Architecture student, University College Dublin

1981

Campaigned for peace in Central America with Maine Peace Action Committee

Liberal Arts major, University of Maine, USA

1980

Marched to save Viking Dublin at Wood Quay

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