Fingal County Council has welcomed the commencement of two new affordable and social housing developments which, when completed, will deliver in excess of 1,100 homes to the Fingal area. The official sod-turning ceremonies, attended by representatives of Fingal County Council, the Land Development Agency (LDA), Lydon, Ballymore, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, marked a major milestone in the delivery of affordable homes in Fingal.
Hampton Demesne, formerly known as Castlelands, will comprise a total of 817 homes, including 377 houses and 440 apartments in Balbriggan, and will be constructed in partnership with Ballymore. The development will include a childcare facility, playground, café and recreational amenities for children of all age groups.
Priory Fields, formerly Hacketstown, will deliver 345 homes, including 39 houses and 306 apartments and duplexes in Skerries. These 345 will be broken down into 101 social houses, 117 cost rental homes, and 127 affordable purchase homes. The proposed low-rise development will include a crèche, community space and pedestrian and cycle routes.
Speaking at the sod turning, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “I’m really pleased to see these two major projects for 1,162 new homes underway. The homes will provide a great opportunity for families to make their home within the wonderful communities of Balbriggan and Skerries. Community infrastructure is a key part of these developments and the €10m Balbriggan Swimming Pool Project in Balbriggan will complement these new homes.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “It’s hugely exciting to see work underway on two excellent affordable housing projects in Fingal. This quality and mixed tenure of these developments is exactly what is needed in both communities. I would like to thank and congratulate all partners on their dedication which has brought the projects to this important stage, and I look forward to seeing them completed”.
A north county Dublin woman, who did not complete the Leaving Certificate, is studying to become a fully qualified accountant. Former stay-at-home mum Angela Comerford Lynch (45), from Balbriggan, says a funded accounting technician apprenticeship programme made it possible.
She said the two-year Accounting Technician Apprenticeship, offered by Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI), gave her the foundations to build a career. Angela was apprenticed to locally based business advisory service, UHY Farrelly, Dawe, White (FDW), one of the largest audit, tax and advisory firms in the northeast. She praised the flexibility offered by the work, earn and learn programme which sees locally placed apprentices earn at least the national living wage.
“I left school at 17 but did not complete the Leaving Certificate. I worked in various roles, from bartender to quality controller in a printing company. I was a stay-at-home mum for 13 years. But I always wanted to return to education. So, in 2022, I finally decided to see what was available. I was not sure anything was possible, but the Balbriggan Adult Guidance and Information Service was a tremendous help. It recommended ATI’s Accounting Technician Apprenticeship,” she said.
Following completion of her apprenticeship, Angela earned a trainee accountant role with UHY FDW. She is now studying to become a Chartered Certified Accountant.
“The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship saw me attend Coláiste Íde, Finglas one day a week, and work for the other four. From day one, I loved the team at UHF FDW and ATI gave me the core foundations to build a career and was always supportive. The biggest benefits were being able to earn and learn while gaining two years’ valuable experience. I would recommend the ATI Apprenticeship to anyone looking to get into accountancy. Trying to get back into the workforce can be overwhelming for a mature student who must juggle work and family. But I have been able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The programme has given me the confidence and work experience I needed to pursue a career in a field I came late to but adore.”
For more information on the ATI Accounting Technician Apprenticeship see accountingtechniciansireland.ie
On Saturday the 30th August, with many thanks to Irish Rail under their Corporate Responsibility, forty people, mostly volunteers with the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs travelled to the open day at Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind headquarters in Cork. Forty seats were booked on the train, which also included six guide dogs
When the Branch arrived in Cork H.Q, a tour was the centre was organised and ran by local volunteer, Dermott and two volunteers from the branch received ‘A Long Service Award’ for their volunteering, both Anna Keane and Maebh Mitchell. Volunteer Anne Mulligan also had her name engraved in a plaque in the gardens of the centre for training her 10th puppy. We want to congratulate, Anna, Maebh and Anne, who is now on her 12th pup in training Lulu, and thank them for their many years of contribution to The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
After 2pm on Saturday, the holiday raffle took place with nearly four hundred people present with a Sligo person winning the raffle. An online quiz was held on Guide Dogs while travelling to the centre to get everybody thinking about the work of the organisation. One of the volunteers who came along on the day, was a staff member of The Harvest Inn in Balbriggan and on her return, asked Anthony Reilly, owner of The Harvest Inn to do fundraiser which will be held on 10th October with more information to follow. As always, a fantastic day was had and a big thank you to Tom O’Neill for organising it, to H.Q. for having us and the wonderful staff at Irish Rail for all their help and assistance. Our Branch will also be back at the Skerries Mills Market on 18th October. We have some upcoming events in November, the 14th and 15th November we will be in SuperValu for our annual Christmas merchandise and again on the 28th and 29th November in Millfield Shopping Centre. Make sure you are following our social media pages for more information.
You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
In early July, the talented athletes from St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers made a remarkable impression at the 2025 EFBT European Championships held at the ALSSA Sports Centre in Dublin. The team showcased their skills and dedication, returning home with an impressive haul of medals: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze and 6 prizes -4th to 6th place across various individual, pair, and team events.
The highlight of the competition was the presentation of the “Outstanding Performance Awards,” which recognized exceptional talent and hard work. This prestigious accolade was awarded to Eva Bergin (St. Mary’s) Ireland, alongside Izan Barroso Catalonia and Aneta Havlenová Czech Republic.
Ireland’s strong performance earned them a commendable 2nd place overall, a testament to the athletes’ commitment and teamwork. The excitement reached a peak when Hannah Reilly from Ireland ceremoniously passed the baton to Izan Barroso, marking the transition to Catalonia, the host of the 2026 Championships.
A special thank you goes to Deputy Mayor Cllr Grainne Maguire, who attended the event and presented the awards, as well as to Chloe Farrell, Acting Principal Sports Officer of Fingal County Council, for her presence at the finals. We also extend our gratitude to Fingal County Council for their support.
The achievements of St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers not only highlight their talent but also the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines the world of baton twirling. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these dedicated athletes!
Pictures courtesy of Caroline McFadden
The Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting our member businesses, and we recently had the pleasure of exploring the fantastic activities available at Flynn Park. Joined by Shaun Flynn, Managing Director of the Park and representatives from the Fingal County Council Economic, Enterprise, Tourism, and Cultural Development Department, as well as our Chamber members and Brouder Marketing, we were all truly impressed by the diverse range of options on offer!
Flynn Park is a treasure trove of activities, catering to all interests. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing sauna, seeking thrills on water inflatables, enjoying cozy teepee tents, or indulging in delicious food from local food trucks, Flynn Park has something for everyone.
Looking to organize a team-building exercise or a pre-season bonding experience? Flynn Park is ready to tailor a package that meets your specific needs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories with your family or group!
For more information and to book your visit, contact Flynn Park today at events@flynnpark.ie
Flynn Park, Courtlough, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, K32 N884.
flynnpark.ie
Photo credit: Andrew Collins Photography
Tom O’Neill of our Branch recently met the CEO of the Gaelic Players Association, Tom Parsons. The two Toms are Mayo men and get on very well. The G.P.A this year have put €10,000 into the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as sponsorship with more to come! The Two Toms were in the G.P.A corporate box in Croke Park in July for the football quarter finals. Feericks Hotel of Rathowen are the sponsors of the Mayo shirt Tom O’Neill is wearing and that hotel is a great supporter of the Guide Dogs through having a large collection dog on the premises. Our Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs would like to thank John Feerick, owner of the Feerick Hotel and another Mayo man for his support as well as the Gaelic Players Association to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs attended Skerries Mills market on the 16th of August, with more details to follow in our next article. Our Branch will also be having it’s coffee morning in the Senior Citizens Hall in Balbriggan on 23rd September where cakes and coffees will be had and a raffle to win a hamper, come along and see our volunteers! If you are doing a tidy up and find something you no longer want, that could make a spot prize or help to fill a hamper, why not pass it on to our Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs who can use it to go towards raising funds for our branch. You can get in touch on the details below. Another way you can help us is if you have any old coins or stamps that are no longer in circulation. Annually our branch puts out this request, ‘If you have any used postage stamps or coins which are no longer in circulation, please give them to us. We will turn them into Euros and lodge them to the guide dogs account.’ We receive coins from all over the world and old postage stamps. In our guide dog boxes and large collection dogs we find coins from all over the world and from Europe that are no longer legal currency since the Euro came into place. We get paper notes of all sorts of denominations, coins and used stamps from our branch volunteers and friends.
You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
This World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on Sunday 21st September and thousands of feet will hit the ground for one powerful reason — to walk for memories, for awareness, and for a future without dementia.
Join the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva on Sunday, September 21st, as we come together in locations across the country to remember and honour those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia — and the families who stand beside them every step of the way.
Why Walk? Because every step tells a story. A story of love, courage, and hope. With over 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland, and numbers expected to double by 2045, your support has never been more vital.
Let’s make 2025 the biggest and most meaningful walk ever! The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is calling on walkers to step up and help raise critical funds for our services like: Daycare and at Home Support; Family Carer Training; Alzheimer Cafés & Social Clubs and the National Helpline open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm
Expect a fun, family-friendly day out led by our incredible Local Champions, who are bringing energy, heart, and community spirit to every walk!
For more information on the Memory Walk please visit
www.alzheimer.ie.
Macleans Cleaning Services Honoured with Second Business All-Star Accreditation
Macleans Cleaning Services, based in Balbriggan, County Dublin, has received its second consecutive Business All-Star Accreditation 2025 from the All-Ireland Business Foundation.
Under CEO Emma Maclean’s leadership, the company has solidified its reputation for consistent excellence, reliability, and a customer-first approach within the commercial and educational cleaning sectors.
Neil and Emma Maclean from Macleans Cleaning Services celebrate after Macleans Cleaning Services were honoured with Business All-Star 2025 accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation.
As a family-owned, Irish-run enterprise, Macleans Cleaning Services prides itself on trustworthy, friendly, and professionally trained staff - each Garda-vetted and insured.
By providing tailored solutions across offices, schools, and facilities, their onsite supervisors ensure strict adherence to high standards using top-quality machinery and materials.
The 2025 accreditation reaffirms their unwavering commitment to service integrity, continuous improvement, and the well-being of both clients and employees.
Reacting to the news, Emma Maclean, Chief Executive Officer of Macleans Cleaning Services, said: “We are thrilled to receive our second consecutive Business All-Star Accreditation 2025. This honour reflects the dedication of every cleaner, supervisor, and support staff member at Macleans. Our mission has always been to provide a service that goes beyond cleanliness—adding value, safety, and peace of mind to our clients’ environments. This recognition inspires us to keep exceeding expectations.”
Announcing the accreditation, Kieran Ring, Deputy Chair of the AIBF Adjudication Board, said:
“Macleans Cleaning Services has demonstrated exceptional consistency in delivering high-quality, reliable cleaning solutions. Their family-centric culture, combined with rigorous staff training and dedicated onsite supervision, sets them apart. Earning back-to-back All-Star status speaks volumes about their integrity, operational excellence, and genuine care for clients and community alike.”
Kapil Khanna, Managing Director of the AIBF, added: “Macleans Cleaning Services exemplifies the true meaning of a family-run business that delivers professional excellence at scale. Their commitment to ongoing training, quality machinery, and client satisfaction has raised the bar for the cleaning industry. We congratulate Emma Maclean and her team on this well-deserved back-to-back accreditation.”
On Saturday, August 2nd, the heart of Balbriggan will beat a little louder as the community gathers at Glebe North Football Club for the Fran Malone Memorial Cup — a charity football match that’s more than just a game. It’s a tribute, a celebration, and a rallying cry for support, all rolled into one.
This year’s match is in proud support of CRITICAL CFR Balbriggan, (https://criticalcharity.ie/), a volunteer-led emergency medical response group that’s redefining what it means to serve. These are the people who drop everything when a call comes in — trained responders who act as an extension of the National Ambulance Service, racing to the scene of cardiac arrests, heart attacks, strokes, and choking incidents. Their mission is simple but profound: to save lives.
The volunteers of CRITICAL CFR Balbriggan are community locals. They’ve undergone rigorous training, Garda vetting, and are preparing to launch August 2025.
Leading up to the CRITICAL CFR Balbriggan launch, the most ambitious and largest scale community project in the town’s history, COMMUNITY HEARTS, a masterclass in grassroots community action with the installation of residential defibrillators for every estate in the town. Ensuring all residents of the second most densely populated town in Ireland are within 3-5 minutes of their nearest accessible defibrillator.
The Fran Malone Memorial Cup, just like Fran, is dedicated to helping others, the football match for charity carries forward Fran’s legacy of compassion and generosity. Last year’s match raised over €8,000 for hospice care. This year, every euro raised will go toward equipping CRITICAL responders with the tools they need to save lives.
So come down to Glebe North on August 2nd. Cheer on your local legends, meet the volunteers, and be part of something bigger than football. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply show up — your presence matters.
Let’s make this match one to remember. For Fran. For Balbriggan. For all of us.
Dedicated fund-raising page: https://criticalcfr.enthuse.com/cf/fran-malone-memorial-cup. Facebook Page for CRITICAL CFR- Balbriggan. www.criticalcharity.ie/
The Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the appointment of Jude O’Sullivan as its new president. The transition took place during a recent gathering where Councillor Tony Murphy provided a brief history of the Chamber, highlighting the significance of the Chain of Office and the motto engraved on it. “Mollain an obair an bhaile”
During the event, Chris Harmon from Country Crest expressed gratitude to the outgoing president, Richard Berney of UHY Farrelly Dawe White, Accountants, Balbriggan for his dedicated service to the Chamber, and a Richard ‘s contributions were acknowledged. Unfortunately Richard sadly passed away on the 24th May and our thoughts are with his family. May Richard RIP.
In his acceptance speech, Jude O’Sullivan thanked everyone for their support and expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Chamber members, the community, and local authorities to advance the Rejuvenation Plan. He emphasized the importance of this initiative in revitalizing the area and enhancing local business opportunities.
Jude also welcomed the recent upgrades to the Harry Reynolds Road, which now features a new Pedestrian & Cycling Route. This project not only connects local businesses, schools, and sports facilities but also significantly improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting active travel within the community.
As the Chamber moves forward under Jude’s leadership, there is a shared sense of optimism about the future and the potential for positive change in Balbriggan.
