Over €220,000 in funding has been allocated to 130 community groups and organisations across Fingal at an event held ringside at Phoenix of Ballyboughal Boxing Club.
The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area. The funding provides capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
This year also saw additional funding allocated towards many Women’s Groups in Fingal, helping to support the growing number of Women’s Sheds located in the county, as well as providing a welcome boost to local groups which provide much needed social networks for women.
Speaking at the announcement, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, said: “This funding is particularly important as it brings significant investment to the many groups and organisations working in communities across Fingal, especially those in disadvantaged areas. Not only is this level of support from the LEP crucial for carrying out necessary repairs and enhancements to facilities, but it will go some way to helping assist groups in providing invaluable community initiatives locally.”
Announcing the successful projects for Fingal, Minister Joe O’Brien TD said: “The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 provides vital support to community groups in order to help them improve their facilities. It supports small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. Ultimately the Programme responds to local needs. These investments allow community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country. The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable.”
John Quinlivan, Director of Economic Development at Fingal County Council, said: “The LEP represents a substantial funding source that complements other support from Fingal County Council. We deeply value the essential work of volunteers and community groups who are out there actively making Fingal a better place to live, so it is thanks to Government funding like the LEP that groups can continue to play an important role within our communities.”
LEP funding was made available to support small capital works/improvements, the purchase of equipment for community use, including tables and chairs, tools, signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment. A full list of groups is available here: LEP Recipients 2024
The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 was launched in December 2023 with funding of €6 million available nationally, which included €1 million in funding ring-fenced specifically to support Women’s Groups.
With an 88km coastline stretching from Howth to north of Balbriggan, three large protected estuaries and a large number of major beaches, our natural heritage has a strong conservation and amenity value.
Each year, local authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use. To help with this process, Fingal County Council would like to hear from people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area designation to areas that are commonly used for swimming but are not identified at the moment.
Under European and Irish law, Irish local authorities must identify bathing waters annually so that these areas can be monitored to ensure they meet stringent microbiological water quality standards. In some cases, the official bathing areas are also the areas where local authorities focus their resources providing lifeguards during the summer season.
These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions or profiles for each of the identified bathing water sites that describe not just the bathing area but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution. The profiles include an assessment the risk of pollution and what action would be taken if pollution occurs.
Fingal has no shortage of stunning swimming spots to enjoy, with current identified bathing areas as follows: Claremont Beach, Howth; Burrow Beach, Sutton; Portmarnock Beach; Balcarrick Beach, Donabate; Brook Beach, Portrane; South Beach, Rush; North Beach, Rush; Loughshinny Beach; South Strand, Skerries; Balbriggan Beach.
Please note that Malahide Beach, while not identified as a bathing area, is lifeguarded as required by a Water Safety Ireland Risk Assessment (Constant Red Flag).
If you are a regular swimmer and want to help decide which bathing areas should be identified for the 2025 season, it may be helpful to consider the following: How your swimming area has been used up to now? How many people use the site? What facilities (e.g. signage, parking, toilets, picnic area etc) exist at the site and how accessible it is? Any safety issues?
If you wish to propose your favourite beach/river etc as a new bathing water site, or would like to comment on an existing site, please make your submission through our consultation portal or post your written submission to: Operations Department (Bathing Waters), Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
The bathing water quality results and annual classification of bathing waters can be viewed at www.beaches.ie. The latest available EPA report Bathing Water in Ireland Report can be viewed here: https://www.epa.ie/publications/
Closing date for submissions is Thursday, 26th September 2024.
An exciting new partnership has been announced between the Fingal Athletics League and Morton Games that will help the growth of athletics in Fingal and help create unparalleled opportunities for young athletes. The collaboration between the Fingal Athletics League - known for its commitment to grassroots development - and Morton Games - a World Athletics Continental Tour International track and field event - brings together two pillars of athletics in one of the countries youngest regions. Morton Games, which takes place in the Morton Stadium, Dublin has since 2011 consistently attracted top-tier athletes from around the globe to its prestigious events. By partnering with Fingal Athletics League, Morton Games aims to strengthen its commitment to nurturing talent at all levels of the sport. Located in Fingal, Morton Stadium has undergone a significant €3m refurbishment project led by Dublin City University and which sees a new Mondo track installed. The stadium is also home to the iconic Morton Mile event which attracts domestic and international stars. This collaboration signifies a new chapter in athletics, one that is characterised by unity, collaboration, and a shared passion for the sport. Fingal Athletics League and Morton Games look forward to a bright future of growth, innovation, and success. The Fingal Athletics League Finals Day will take place on 24th April at ALSAA Sports Complex, with 2,700 students from 61 primary schools across Fingal coming together to showcase their talent. Morton Games takes place on Friday July 12th in the Morton Stadium Dublin from 5.30pm with the international programme starting at 7.00pm. For further details visit mortongames.ie/
The State Choir LATVIJA is one of Europe’s most prolific choirs and has collaborated with world-renowned symphony orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra, The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and The Singapore Symphony Orchestra. The State Choir LATVIJA is internationally acclaimed and has participated in recordings produced by Warner Brothers as well as numerous recording projects by both Latvian and foreign music publishers. If you like classical, choral or orchestral music the State Choir LATVIJA will be performing on the 4th of May at the Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, Dublin.
Throughout July and August, the Irish Institute of Music & Song in Balbriggan hosts their Sounds Good Music Camps for kids 4-7 and 7-12. The camp runs in Balbriggan (IIMS) and Malahide (St. Sylvester’s) and is a fun, open environment for children to explore music. The camp runs for a week and siblings receive 10% off.
No previous music experience is necessary as camps focus on enjoying music through songs and games. Kids also get to try out new instruments, experiment with rhythm, and percussion, partake in music workshops and make lots of new friends. Each camp ends with a showcase performance in The Lark Concert Hall where the kids get to show their family and friends what they have learned during the week.
During the week, the children get involved in a mixture of musical activities, songs and instruments. These are taught through group activities and musical games. Everything has an educational goal which is fulfilled through fun activities. The team at the Irish Institute of Music and Song are very passionate about providing children with fun-filled musical experiences and each camp is staffed by specialists in various aspects of music. If you are looking to keep the kids entertained during the summer then this is the perfect place for them. Sounds Good Camps also run during Easter and Halloween.
To highlight the three Fingal Hubs Connected locations in Mulhuddart, Drinan in Swords and Balbriggan, the Hubs’ creative studio at Drinan recently had the ‘craic’ playing host to Doireann, Louise and Siomha of How to Gael, Ireland’s new and extremely popular bilingual podcast. Fingal Hubs Connected are based in Fingal County Council’s three Enterprise Centres, BASE in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, Drinan Enterprise Centre in Swords and BeAt Balbriggan. Studio Drinan allows for podcasts or webcasts, ideal for anyone looking to market goods or services. How to Gael are the new generation of Irish speakers who are living, working, socialising, and reviving an Ghaeilge in a way that is suimiuil, spraoiúil agus just good craic with weekly catch ups where current affairs, popular culture and just general gossip will also bí á bplé. Louise Cantillon is the new presenter of the lunchtime slot on Today FM while Doireann Ni Ghlacain and Siomha ni Ruairc are presenter and producer respectively on TG4. Their two lively podcasts recorded at the Swords hub covering everything from how to have self-discipline, how to Hygge and, to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilege, five things you should never say to Gaeilgeoirí, will be released on 12th and 19th March 24. They can be heard on Spotify, Podtail, Apple, Google and Acast. Fingal Hubs Connected list their available desks and meeting rooms on connectedhubs.ie The website is run by the National Hub Network, an Irish government initiative that allows individual hubs to come together under a shared identity to maximise the economic opportunity of remote working. Users can also rent desks, meeting rooms and host events at other hubs across the country. The Hubs are central to Fingal County Council’s aim to promote a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive economy that is enabled by strong infrastructure, collaboration and skills under its recently adopted economic development strategy. For more information and to book your space, visit connectedhubs.ie How to Gael is holding its first-ever show at Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin on Monday 8th April 2024. For tickets, visit mcd.ie/artists/how-to-gael or ticketmaster.
Following the outcome of the Local Development Strategy (LDS) selection process, Heather Humphrey’s TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection signed the LEADER Funding Agreement for the implementation of the 2023-2027 programme in the Dublin sub-regional area on 26th January 2024. Dublin Rural LEADER’s implementing partner Fingal Leader Partnership CLG and Fingal County Council as the Lead Financial Partner, is approved to deliver the 2023 – 2027 LEADER programme in the sub-regional area of Dublin Rural which includes rural areas in Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin. Dublin Rural LEADER was allocated €4.7 Million to invest in the development of the area through economic, social, and environmental initiatives. The LEADER programme uses a community led approach, empowering local rural communities to be involved in finding innovative solutions to address local needs. The selection process was conducted over two stages; the first stage was an ‘Expression of Interest’ by eligible groups followed by a more detailed stage which saw them develop their LEADER strategy. Welcoming the signing, Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Adrian Henchy said, “The LEADER (Rural Development) Programme in the Dublin sub-regional area has worked alongside communities and individuals with funding, supports and resources to assist in the development of stronger, better connected and resilient communities and I welcome the appointment of Fingal Leader Partnership CLG to deliver this major programme over the next five years. AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said “I’m delighted that Fingal Leader Partnership CLG will be implementing the new LEADER Rural Development Programme 2023 – 2027 for Fingal County Council, a hugely capable organisation with tremendous local knowledge and committed staff. Their capacity to deliver this ambitious programme is evident in their previous record of local service delivery.”
Fingal County Council has recently unveiled a new Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP ), presenting an energetic and forward-looking framework for one of Ireland’s most rapidly expanding areas. This plan is the result of collaborative efforts involving local communities, individuals, businesses, organisations, and other significant contributors throughout the county, all aiming to steer Fingal towards a flourishing future. Building on the positive developments of the initial LECP launched in 2016, this latest iteration looks to maintain momentum but also introduces significant enhancements. It also serves as an important checkpoint to review targets from that initial plan and the measures that were in place to reach them. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy said: “This LECP provides a strong, evidence-based strategic framework for Fingal. It is essential that as we begin to take this forward, that we work together to help deliver future certainty for all the communities who make up one of Ireland’s fastest growing regions. In doing so, we can ensure that Fingal will be a vibrant, sustainable, progressive and climate resilient county, underpinned by inclusive, healthy, empowered communities and a dynamic economy. Reflecting priorities to help build the economy and community elements within Fingal, the LECP is built around six core themes: Sustainability & Climate Action; Prosperous Economy; Skills for Life & Work; Healthy Inclusive Connected Communities; Rich Arts Culture & Heritage; Safe Accessible Vibrant Places. Helping to launch the plan, Minister for Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD said: “Fingal is in a strong position to ensure positive development economically, culturally and environmentally. Along with providing a supportive business environment that encourages innovation, the Council has a vision for the future growth and prosperity of the county that will engage rural communities, help with the transition to more sustainable business practices and ultimately create a better natural environment in which people can live and work.” A copy of the LECP is available on the website now at fingal.ie/council/service/local-ecnomic-and-community-plan-lecp
Fingal County Council recently launched an ambitious strategy which it believes will be the blueprint for transforming the county into a beacon of tourism excellence that will make it a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors. Unveiling the tourism roadmap, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, said: “Fingal is blessed with an array of natural wonders, rich heritage, and vibrant communities. From our stunning coastline to our charming villages, we offer a unique Irish experience that we are eager to share with the world. This new strategic framework will help increase opportunities, enhance the overall visitor experience and help to strengthen our position as a must-see destination.” Key to the strategy are three primary asset themes: - Natural Amenities and Heritage - Arts and Culture and Recreation and Leisure. These will be further augmented by the supporting asset themes of Hospitality, Food and Drink, and the festivals and events for which Fingal is already so well-known, including Flavours of Fingal, Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival, Malahide Castle Concerts, and more recently, TradFest. The strategy also recognises the crucial role of sustainable tourism in preserving the essence of Fingal for future generations. The approach emphasises responsible practices, prioritising the conservation of our environment, and the celebration of Fingal’s identity. 2024 is the first year of the strategy and will see a focus on delivering the collaborative structures required within the county as well as nationally and internationally to drive success. To that end, the Council will lead the development of a comprehensive marketing and promotional plan which showcases what distinguishes Fingal as a unique tourism destination. The Fingal Tourism Strategy 2024-2029 is now available.
Our Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs is looking for your old postage stamps and coins which can be turned into money! Recently, Tom O’Neill received €530 of old postage stamps and foreign coins and another supporter of the branch changed sterling coins into sterling notes which resulted in euro value of €160. As Tom has said, what some people might consider rubbish has now resulted in €690 for Guide Dogs. So please contact us if you have any old stamps or coins you would like to donate. A wonderful sum of €1,092.50 has also been raised by Specsavers in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan, who sponsored Santa’s Grotto in the lead up to Christmas, in aid of our Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Brian Brodigan and everyone in Specsavers for their continued support. Did you have a chance to attend the Annual Feis in Naul GAA club which took place on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th February? All proceeds went to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. The Feis is a fantastic event which has brought in over €25,000 for our branch over the years. For that we say a massive thank you. We spoke about the fantastic puppy raiser, Anne Mulligan in our last article and we are pleased to let you know that Cosmo, puppy raised by Anne Mulligan began her advanced training as an Assistance Dog in early January. Best of luck to Cosmo and we will keep you updated with her progression. Are you looking for a new hobby this year? Well, this year Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is hoping to launch a ‘Summer of Golf’ across the country. There have been great successes with the great Woodbrook Golf Club, and the great Portmarnock/Malahide Team who also have a brilliant annual Golf Event in their calendar. We are looking to make contact with all the local golf club/s to introduce yourself and to (hopefully) look at working with them to support the Guide Dogsin some way over the course of the year. If you would like to get involved for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch, please contact us. If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact us the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind by phone/text: 085 7663107, by email: guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook: Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs