Fianna Fáil councillor Daryl Barron has been elected as the 359th Lord Mayor of Dublin, taking over from Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam.
A councillor since 2019, Barron represents the Donaghmede electoral area on Dublin's northside and has served as Fianna Fáil's group leader on Dublin City Council as well as chairperson of the council's North Central Area Committee. Before entering politics, he worked in finance with Bank of Ireland.
In the coming weeks, he will move into the historic Mansion House on Dawson Street with his wife Orla and their infant son Niall, the traditional residence of Dublin's Lord Mayor.
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Barron says his mayoralty will focus on what he describes as the "basics" needed to improve life in the capital, including making Dublin safer and cleaner, tackling derelict and vacant properties, and supporting local communities.
Among the key proposals he intends to champion are the creation of a dedicated transport police, the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle to acquire and redevelop vacant buildings for housing, and the introduction of a Lord Mayor's Community Leader Awards to recognise local volunteers.
He is also calling on the Government to introduce a tourist tax in Dublin, arguing that the revenue could be reinvested in improving the city's public spaces and infrastructure.
“A great capital city cannot survive on potential alone; it survives on delivery, which in turn, enables it to thrive.
“When foundational pillars like security, cleanliness, and housing, fracture, civic trust fractures with them.
“This year, we restore that trust. By going back to the basics, which underpin our great city, we will put our vibrant communities back on the map.”
Congratulations to the newly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Daryl Barron.
A strong, ambitious vision for the city focused on housing, safety, and community.
Wishing Daryl the very best of luck in this important role. pic.twitter.com/w69VLdv0KB
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 29, 2026
Barron added that he wants the office of Lord Mayor to play a more active role in delivering change.
“The Mansion House will not be a place of passive stewardship; it will be an engine room of executive action. From the street corners to this council chamber, we will clear the litter, build the homes our people deserve, and ensure public security is treated as a basic essential, not a luxury.”
Housing and community safety have been central themes throughout Barron's political career. During the 2024 local elections, he made increasing housing supply and delivering affordable homes one of his main campaign priorities, regularly highlighting developments under Dublin City Council's Affordable Purchase Scheme, including the Oscar Traynor Road project in Coolock.
He has also been a vocal advocate for increased community policing.
Following the destruction of a newly opened playground in Coolock in an arson attack last year, Barron condemned those responsible and called for expanded CCTV coverage and greater Garda engagement with local schools to tackle anti-social behaviour.
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More recently, he welcomed the allocation of 22 additional Gardaí to his local area after campaigning for increased policing resources. He has also spoken out on issues including the operation of Dublin's policing committees, changes to local property tax, and proposals for asylum seeker accommodation in Coolock.
Barron takes office as Ireland begins its six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union, meaning he will serve as Lord Mayor during a significant period for both the capital and the country.
His election follows an agreement between the governing coalition on Dublin City Council—made up of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and the Green Party—under which the mayoralty rotates between the parties.
