Over a single generation, Donabate has grown from a village of 1,100 in 1991 to a town of 9,600 in the 2022 census. Our social infrastructure is hardly coping with our current population. Schools and crèches are full, with recently arrived residents seeking places in Swords. It is increasingly difficult to find venues for new weekly activities and for one-off meetings and events. The proposed extension to the Community Centre will barely satisfy the demand of the existing population. The Tilberry site, 5 hectares owned by FCC on the northern side of New Road about 600 metres from the Town Centre, is the ideal location for an Arts Youth and Community Cultural Centre, school, crèche and affordable and “right-sized” housing, meeting future needs on several fronts. The lack of employment locally results in over-crowded public transportation and commuters turning to cars. With several large planning permissions in the pipeline, the past pace of expansion is set to continue and, unless serious action is taking to address the deficit, the situation is likely to worsen.

Recently, Fingal County Council (FCC) granted permission for 1,020 dwellings at Corballis East. While we appreciate the need for housing, not just for Donabate, but for the greater Dublin area, this decision, unfortunately, is a backward step regarding good planning. It breaches FCC’s own Development Plan and the Donabate Local Area Plan (LAP), which would have allowed for 900 houses on this site. It also fails to address the current and future need for social infrastructure and local employment. The reserved school site in Corballis East is only large enough for a 16-classroom school, but the projected population of this single permission will fill this, with no spare capacity for other planned developments in Corballis. Crèche provision is 35 places below the minimum standard. The developer’s response to the Development Plan objective that “large scale residential developments include a community facility” is a so-called “multi-purpose community use unit” with a measly odd-shaped floor area of 91m 2 , less than the area of a 3-bedrom house. Areas of public open space and back gardens fall short of the Development Plan standards. The developer has counted all 51 single-bedroomed sheltered housing units as both age-friendly and social housing to satisfy two separate requirements of the Development Plan.
The permission granted by FCC also doesn’t follow the LAP’s aspirations regarding number of dwellings, density, dwelling types and building heights. About 900 dwellings should be permitted on this site at the LAP’s target density of 35 units per hectare, not 1,020 at 40 per hectare. The LAP says that most of the dwellings here will be “two storeys in height” and that “family homes will be the primary housing form…(rather than)…apartments and other multi-occupancy units” but less than half are houses and 4 of every 7 dwellings are in buildings of three to five storeys. While FCC’s work in our area is appreciated, e.g. Newbridge Park is second to none and the new Donabate Framework Plan brings new exciting opportunities, it is regrettable that in this instance, FCC has not followed its own policy documents. The Development Plan and the LAP included hard-fought safeguards after extensive community consultation, which have now not been followed. Will our community be willing to engage in future Development Plans and LAPs?

Breda Dockrell (M.Sc. in Recreation Mgt.) and Jim O’Donohoe (B. Arch) former Planning Officers on Donabate Portrane Community Council

Why should the public have confidence and participate in the planning process when objectives in statutory plans are ignored contrary to council policy and the wishes of the public and elected Councillors? Local Area Representative Corina Johnston said, “The Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 Core Strategy envisages the population of the Donabate peninsula growing to 12720 by 2029. The population was 11783 in the 2022 census. I believe we have already surpassed the council’s estimate. Construction work has commenced on phase one of 1200 units on council land in Ballymastone. An application for 1020 housing units at Corballis East is with Fingal CC and a decision is imminent. In accordance with the Local Area Plan (LAP) almost 3000 houses remain to be built in Donabate which will bring the population to over 20,000.” Johnston added; “The LAP also has an objective for the provision of a purpose-built FCC Multi-Functional Community Facility. But are refusing to date to identify and provide a site for this much needed facility in Ballymastone. Duncan Smith TD and I recently held a well-attended public meeting to raise this issue. The meeting was unanimous in their view that the community facility must be delivered in tandem with the housing. A committee was formed (Crossroads) to campaign for this facility.” Johnston continued; ”At a time when the people of Donabate are without adequate public transport, when some parents have to leave their homes at 6:30am to bring their children to childcare outside our parish, when new parents into the parish are unable to secure school and childcare places for their children in Donabate, is it any wonder people are becoming frustrated and angry with the lack of infrastructure in the area? Childcare facilities are now conditioned in planning permissions and are not being delivered on time and in accordance with the scheduling conditioned in the permission. This is totally unacceptable.” Johnston concluded; “For the future of our Community FCC must identify a site now, before every remaining land is either built upon or planning permission granted. The provision of schools, other necessary infrastructure and amenities should be provided in tandem with development.”

Last month, Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed music group, Gerry and the Plonkers, had a special guest appearance at the last of its current series of free concerts in Donabate Parish Hall. Local resident, Edel Dempsey on concert flute and tin whistles, joined the group. As well as accompanying the group playing its usual repertoire of 50s and 60s hits and a selection of Irish songs for Paddy’s Day, she treated the audience to a wonderful rendition of The Lonesome Boatman, ably accompanied by our own Peter Cooney on guitar. The Plonkers will resume their free concerts in the autumn. Although the Plonkers concerts have stopped for the time being, the Men’s Shed has been, and will continue to be, busy on many other fronts. Work on our allotment plots has ramped up, with tomatoes, onions, broccoli, cauliflowers and potatoes being planted. Our weekly exercise classes, croquet sessions in Newbridge and Thursday morning get-togethers will also continue through the summer months.We are always open to new members. So, if you or someone you know is interested in joining us, please call Jim on 086-3694316.

Many parents cannot access childcare facilities in Donabate. In many cases, families are on waiting lists of up to 12 months or longer. More capacity is needed. Parents should not have to travel significant distances to find a creche or afterschool facility for their child. Childcare costs are a significant financial commitment for families. I’ve met parents in Donabate and Portrane that are paying significantly more in childcare costs than in other parts of the country. While recent investment in Core Funding (paid directly to childcare providers) and the increase in the National Childcare Scheme subsidy rate is welcome, fees remain far too high. From speaking with childcare providers in Fingal, it is clear that there is a recruitment and retention crisis in this sector. Many owners say the struggle to find staff has impacted on the quality of service they can provide. Recent surveys published show that childcare staff are actively looking to change careers, citing low pay (and having to work unpaid overtime). What I’ve done so far to help parents in Donabate:

I have written to Fingal County Council requesting that they provide a full list of vacant sites that are earmarked as locations for childcare facilities. Many developments in Fingal were approved on the basis that creches would be built (and in operation) as part of these developments.

I have advocated on behalf of residents, and made representations to Oireachtas members, proposing that changes are made to planning rules to address these shortages of childcare facilities. I also support direct government intervention, whereby the State steps in to build and operate creches.I am holding a public meeting in Lusk community cottage on Wednesday the 10th of April at 7pm to discuss the lack of childcare options for parents in north county Dublin.

I want to demonstrate to policy makers that there is a crisis in the provision of childcare facilities in Fingal. If you live in Donabate and are affected by this issue, please contact me (eoghandockrellfg@gmail.com) about your experience.

To kick-off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, CCÉ Leithinis members performed in SuperValu in Donabate on Sunday 10th March and we also had our St. Patrick’s themed Irish music slow session for Leithinis members, led by Erin, in Donabate Parish Hall on Friday 8th March. Due to tremendous interest, both from musicians and listeners, the regular Trad Session for experienced musicians will now take place twice per month, on the first and third Tuesdays in the Brook Pub in Portrane. The most recent session on the 5th March was a great success with more than 15 musicians participating. Our Spring term of classes in Traditional Irish Music continues for adults and children (7+) in Banjo, Bodhrán, Button Accordion, Concertina, Fiddle, Mandolin, Flute and Tin Whistle in Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School.

Paul Mulville, Fingal Social Democrats Councillor, has called on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to sanction the extension of the public sewage mains to Corballis / Balcarrick, and along Turvey Avenue, on the Donabate Portrane peninsula. Cllr. Mulville stated, “Recently Uisce Éireann came before Council members to provide an update on their investment plans for the Dublin Region, and to take questions from Councillors. I again raised the need for the public sewage mains to be extended to Corballis / Balcarrick, and along Turvey Avenue (towards old Turvey Cottages / Tesco Distribution Centre end). However, for this to happen, Irish Water has confirmed that the Minister needs to approve the inclusion of such a local scheme as part of the multi-annual water programme, and to allocate funding for it. Local residents in Balcarrick / Corballis and along towards the end of Turvey Avenue area have, for many years, expressed a strong desire to be allowed connect onto the public sewage network, a basic standard which many of us take for granted. Ireland has obligations under EU directives to ensure that the disposal of human waste does not have a harmful impact on the environment. As such, it is important that people living in close proximity to public sewage infrastructure should be allowed move away from septic tanks and connect to the mains if they wish to. “This is of particular importance for the Corballis / Balcarrick area, which contains many golf clubs and caravan parks, as well as many residential homes, and in which Donabate beach is located, one of the most popular beaches in Dublin, and also a designated Natura 2000 international site. There are also many homes along Turvey Avenue, as well industrial and business facilities, including the Tesco Distribution Centre, in close proximity to the Rogerstown Estuary and streams which flow into it, and all these residences and facilities need to be allowed onto the public sewage mains to protect Donabate’s natural environment For example, the Tesco Distribution Centre, the largest building in the country by volume, the 11th largest by volume in the world, is not serviced by public sewer. Instead, wastewater generated on site is addressed via an onsite wastewater treatment system, regulated by a trade effluent discharge licence. The Minister needs to step up here for the sake of the natural environment and for the people of Corballis/ Balcarrick and Turvey.”

LSA Juvenile athletes did our club proud in the recent Dublin Indoor Championships, with superb performances and two Dublin titles amid a host of of personal bests from our participating athletes. Michelle Branigan opened the LSA medal table with a Bronze in the Under 19 400m. There was more excitement as Sinéad Farrell took Silver in the 1500m with a new Personal Best of 4:57. 83. This was soon followed by Éabha O’Farrell who set a Personal Best in the Under 18 400m heats, backed up by another Personal Best of 1:02.8 to take the gold in the final. Éabha went on to add a bronze medal to her collection with a third place finish in Under 18 High Jump! Suzie Linkiewicz brought the LSA medal tally to five with a Bronze in the Under 19 200m and a superb Gold in the U19 60m with a Personal Best of 7. 95s.Michelle, Sinéad, Éabha and Suzie now progress to the National Championships in April. Our youngest competitor, Kate Jones, continued to show great promise as she took on the full range of indoor run, jump and throw events in the Under 12 age group. We were also very proud to see Frank Richardson, Maria Sheridan, Lily Maher, Laoise Farrell, Leon Capocci, Mark Kelly, Daniel Minto, Leá Hubert and Francesca Marchanka represent LSA on the track, and Leá also take on High Jump. We look forward to seeing everyone progress as the Outdoor season approaches. We always welcome new members and volunteers. If you want to help please contact us anytime at lambaysportsathletics@gmail.com Little Athletics and Juvenile athletes (from age 7-18) please contact lsajuvenilereg@gmail.comKeep up to date on all the events by following LSA on our social media pages! Facebook - facebook.com/lambaysportsacademy Instagram instagram.com/lsadonabateportrane/ - twitter.com/LSARunning Please also visit our website lambaysportsathletics.ie/

Community Engagement: EggHeadz hosted Suicide or Survive (SOS) Wellness Workshop for adults. The free daylong event provided attendees with the knowledge, skills and tools to help them take charge of their own mental health. International Women’s Day (IWD 2024) – EggHeadz will celebrate ‘Women’s Mental Health, Well-being and Sport’ at our event on March 8th. All are very welcome to attend, so please register now or very soon online.

Activities, Events & Services: Youth Active Social Sessions - EggHeadz hosts weekly social sessions for young people that take place outdoors and are free to attend. Social runs take place on Sunday mornings 10am at Newbridge House, led by Jason Dignam. It’s free, fun and everyone is welcome.

Darkness Into Light – VOLUNTEERS and Save The Date. Donabate Portrane is now an official participant of Darkness Into Light for Pieta House. We are seeking volunteers, so please get in touch to help marshal on the day. This a truly uplifting event which takes place in communities nationwide on 11th May 2024. FREE Youth Counselling takes place every week. Contact Mairead on 086-329 6812 or by email eggheadzcounselling@gmail.com to book an appointment. Tween & Teen Workshops: Our ‘Tween Love and Kindness Workshop’ on 15th February (11 – 14 yrs) took place over midterm, 17 young people attended and enjoyed the afternoon. EggHeadz hosts a variety of workshops monthly for Tweens and Teens focused on relaxation, health and wellness. Workshops include jewellery making, kayaking, yoga, wellness workouts, crystal energy, pottery painting, nutrition, meditation and exam anxiety. NEW Website: We’re delighted to announce we have a NEWcalled Egghead website. Visit eggheadz.ie to learn all about us and everything we do.

At the time of writing the AAfA community are back to their full schedule of classes and activities. We have had a great continuing membership signed up for 2024 and most of our classes are full. If you are interested in a class – perhaps for the Autumn term - and there are a couple of spaces still available this term, you can sign up for them for the rest of this term at a pro rata price. This is a great way for newcomers in particular to see what is on offer and have taster sessions. Just text your name to the AAfA TEXT ONLY phone on 0868806808 with the message ‘I am interested in trying out a class’, and we will contact you to arrange it if possible. Existing members who are late to return can have the pro rata rate too of course. Our new Committee for this year is chaired by Carolyn Smith. We wish them well in all their roles and thank them for stepping up. Many hands make light work. The group have also been supporting the Memory Café morning that is being run by the Community Centre and happens on the last Wednesday of each month (dementia friendly). If you know of anyone who may appreciate this outlet and who would like to attend, the full details can be had at the Community Centre. One of our founding members, Peig McManus, has her book ‘I Will Be Good’ coming out in paperback this month and what a life she has led. Perhaps a first book for your summer reading! We wish her well with it.

The Through the Lens Photography Group had a busy year in 2023. The club hosted some very interesting and informative speakers during the year, who, following their talk set the members a task based on their subject, eg: portrait, landscape, flash. Then they returned to judge and critique our efforts, this proved to be a very positive exercise. Apart from our fortnightly meetings we held several field trips locally during the year but the most adventurous one was to Lambay Island in June. We were warmly welcomed on arrival, some hiked to the top of the hill to see the view and maybe see some wallabies, others concentrated on shore photography. We were then given a guided tour and history of the island, fascinating stuff. It was a great day and thoroughly enjoyed by all, and the BBQ on the boat on the way home rounded it off nicely. After the summer break we concentrated on production of the 2024 calendar and preparation for an exhibition held in the Parish Hall in November both of which were very successful. This year we were pleased to sponsor the local Tidy Towns committees again, a worthy group who works diligently to enhance our community. A first for the club in 2023 was our entering a national photography competition. We didn’t get any prizes, but the experience was a huge learning curve which I’m sure will benefit us in the future. Through the Lens Photography Group cater for all levels and experience in a friendly and supportive way. If you have a camera stashed away in a cupboard and would love to know how to use it then come and give us a try, you don’t even need a fancy camera, mobile phones are excellent and better than some cameras. We meet every second Tuesday in Donabate Golf Club and are open for membership. For any enquiries, please call Audrey on 0862144858, or Carolyn on 0879284307.