With The Seanad On His Side

Aubrey McCarthy at Carraig Eden MON3FEB25

atest press release from Tiglin Ireland, issued on Monday, February 3rd 2025…

Aubrey McCarthy is a social entrepreneur and community advocate with a track record of delivering real change.

Best known for his work as the Chair and co-founder of Tiglin, McCarthy has spent years at the forefront of social justice efforts in Ireland, making his new role as Senator a natural progression.

His election to the Seanad marks a new chapter in his mission to tackle Ireland’s biggest challenges affordable housing, access to education, sustainability, business support, and the fight against gender-based violence. With a deep understanding of grassroots issues and a proven ability to get things done, McCarthy enters the political arena with a clear goal: to turn real-world experience into meaningful policy.

Senator Aubrey McCarthy’s Priorities: Delivering on Housing, Education, Sustainability, Business, and Safety
McCarthy brings a clear, hands-on approach to tackling some of Ireland’s most pressing challenges, his priorities being rooted in years of community work. Now, as he takes his seat in the Seanad, the question is ‘How will he turn his manifesto into action?’.

Housing: Building Homes, Not Just Promises
Few politicians understand the complexities of delivering housing better than Aubrey. Having overseen Ireland’s first carbon-neutral social housing project in Bluebell, he knows the struggles of getting developments off the ground. In the Seanad, he is set to champion measures that make homeownership a reality for ordinary people by pushing for increased council-led mixed housing. He will also fight for targeted housing allowances that reflect the diverse needs of renters and homeowners alike. Crucially, his vision extends beyond bricks and mortar; he aims to build liveable communities where all generations can thrive.

Education: Breaking Down Barriers
Education was one Aubrey’s key pathways out of hardship, and he is determined to ensure others get the same chance. His work with the South East Technological University and the Tivoli Training Centre has shown his commitment to accessible education, particularly for those affected by poverty and addiction. As Senator, he will push for greater access to play therapy and family support for children dealing with trauma, while also advocating for tailored training programmes to help individuals find their best path forward. Recognising education’s role in ending cycles of homelessness, he will champion initiatives that provide clear routes out of housing insecurity. And for Ireland’s top institutions, like Trinity College, he will argue for increased funding to maintain their world-class standing.

Sustainability: Pushing for a Greener Future
Sustainability isn’t just a policy talking point for Aubrey, it’s part of his day-to-day work. From working on corporate-charity collaborations on tree planting projects in Meath to overseeing carbon-neutral housing, his record speaks for itself. In the Seanad, he will push for improved access to electric vehicle charging stations, rapid retrofitting of homes, and the introduction of green tax credits to help households reduce their carbon footprint. His approach is practical: make sustainability easier, remove needless delays caused by red tape, make it more affordable, and more people will get on board.

Business: Supporting Entrepreneurs and Workers
Having built two successful businesses from the ground up, Aubrey understands the struggles of SMEs. Now, he will use his Seanad platform to champion entrepreneurship and advocate for policies that ease inflationary pressures and labour shortages. His focus is not just on business owners but also on workers who often face systemic barriers to employment. He will promote inclusivity in hiring practices, with particular attention to those impacted by homelessness and individuals with disabilities.

Tackling Violence Against Women: A Lifelong Commitment
Perhaps one of Aubrey’s most personal commitments is his fight against violence in the home. Having witnessed domestic violence as a child, he is determined to create a society where respect and equality are non-negotiable. His campaign will focus on education and increasing awareness of the many forms violence can take. He will use his position in the Seanad to push for stronger protections and solutions that address the root causes of gender-based violence.

A Senator Who Knows How to Deliver
Aubrey isn’t just another politician promising change; he’s someone with a track record of making things happen. Now, in the Seanad, he has a bigger platform to push forward his vision: affordable homes, equal access to education, a sustainable future, thriving businesses, and a society that protects its most vulnerable. He will work to challenge legislation that hinders progress in providing for marginalised people. The work is just beginning, but with his hands-on approach, Aubrey is poised to make a real impact.

You can find out more about Aubrey McCarthy here, and about Tiglin right about here and here.