Sinn Féin’s Daniel Loftus co-opted to fill South Dublin vacancy after former councillor quits to move to Australia
A new councillor has been co-opted to South Dublin County Council to fill a vacancy in the Palmerstown–Fonthill electoral area following the resignation of councillor Niamh Fennell, who announced plans to emigrate to Australia.
Sinn Féin’s Daniel Loftus (28) was selected by the party to take up the seat and was formally co-opted at the June meeting of the council.
The vacancy arose after Ms Fennell (26) stepped down from her seat last month, citing the ongoing housing crisis and the difficulty young people face in securing long-term accommodation in Ireland.
At the meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Louise Dunne proposed Mr Loftus for co-option, saying: “I’m pretty saddened that we have lost such an excellent councillor, Niamh Fennell, who came to the conclusion that she had to not only leave this chamber but also leave this country because of how difficult it has become for people to live and work here, and to rent or buy a house.”
She added: “We see so many of our young people having to migrate to other countries.”
Cllr Dunne said Mr Loftus would “make an excellent councillor and carry on that work that Niamh has shown in this council”.
Incoming Cllr Daniel Loftus (Left) and former Cllr Niamh Fennell (Right)
The nomination was seconded by Sinn Féin councillor William Carey, who also paid tribute to Ms Fennell.
“I want to begin by saying a big thanks to Councillor Niamh Fennell, who has sadly decided that she must depart the shores here,” he said.
“I want to wish her well. It’s a new adventure for her.”
“A lot of people have left these shores and returned here, bringing back their experiences. I’ve no doubt Niamh will be returning here at some time in the future,” he added.
Cllr Carey also thanked Mr Loftus for “putting himself forward” for the position of councillor.
Mr Loftus, who narrowly missed out on the 2024 local elections, has been active in the Palmerstown–Fonthill area as a community activist. He has also worked for the past four years in the constituency office of Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward in Dublin Mid-West.
Speaking after his co-option, Mr Loftus said: “It is an honour and privilege to have been nominated by my party colleagues to replace Niamh as a councillor for the Palmerstown-Fonthill LEA.”
“Niamh was a brilliant councillor, and it was great to work alongside her over the last two years. During her time on the council she worked tirelessly for the people of our community.”
“It is a tragedy that so many of our people feel hopeless in our country and feel that they must leave Ireland for a better life.”
“I look forward to working with the Sinn Féin team on South Dublin County Council,” the new councillor added.