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

Balbriggan Youth Theatre is looking for facilitators. Do you have a theatre related talent and are interested in forming part of a creative team? Location will be Balbriggan Library. Email Raquel.MurilloDiestro@fingal.ie for more information.

One of our fantastic Balbriggan North County Dublin Guide Dogs volunteers, Anne Mulligan who has puppy raised multiple times, explains that “In 2010, having taken early retirement from the Civil Service I began volunteering with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as a Puppy Raiser.” Anne said, “Puppies arrive with the raiser at 9 weeks old and stay until they are 12-14 months old at which time return to Cork for further training. Puppy raising comprises socialisation and taking the pup anywhere they would be going with a Visually Impaired Person or child with Autism. Support is provided through a Puppy Walking Supervisor.” Anne went on and discussed the first pup, she puppy raised, stating, “The first pup I took on was Zak, followed in no particular order by Cinders, Genna, Oscar, Gabbie, Zabbie, Coby, William, Adel, Yarrow and most recently Cosmo. It can sometimes happen that dogs, for various reasons are found to be unsuitable and are withdrawn from the programme. This was the case with Zak, William and Coby who were rehomed as family pets. Zabbie was part of the breeding programme. All of the others became Assistance Dogs for children with Autism. Cosmo, my most recent pup, returned to Cork on 18th September and will be starting her advanced training as an Assistance Dog in early January.” Anne noted that, “Another aspect of volunteering is temporary boarding. Naturally, there are times Puppy Raisers, Guide Dog or Assistance Dog Owners will be going on holidays or for other reasons will need their dogs looked after for short periods. This is where I come in handy. Sometimes, I take a friend’s Guide Dog for a free run in Ardgillan which is very enjoyable both for the human and the dog.” Anne finished by saying that “While puppy raising is hard work, it is also very enjoyable and rewarding especially when you see your pup helping a Visually Impaired Person or a child with Autism. I have made many friends over the years and would certainly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about volunteering.” Also, just to note that the Annual Feis in Naul GAA club is on Saturday 10th /11th February if you would like to attend. The Feis is a fantastic event which has brought in over €25,000 for our branch over the years and for that a massive thank you! If you would like to get involved or are interested in volunteering, please feel free to contact us: Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Phone or text us on 085 7663107. Email us at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs. You can visit GuideDogs.ie to find out more about puppy raising.

Fingal TD, Minister Joe O’Brien has welcomed €45m Capital Grant for the Early Learning and Childcare Sector. The grant is €45m announced under the Building Blocks - Capacity Grant. There are also Grants in early 2024 for Early Learning and Childcare Services to expand their capacity by means of internal renovations. Grants from mid-2024 for Early Learning and Childcare Services to deliver larger scale extensions to their premises by the end of 2025. A targeted Grant will deliver thousands of Early Learning and Childcare places in areas of undersupply.

Roderic O’Gorman TD, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, has today announced a €45m Capital Grant for the Early Learning and Childcare Sector. The Building Blocks – Capacity Grant is part of a wider Building Blocks Capital Programme for Early Learning and Childcare under the revised National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP). The purpose of the Building Blocks - Capacity Grant is to address capacity gaps by expanding existing provision and investing in the development of new provision where most needed. The primary focus of the Capacity Grant is to increase capacity in the 1-3 age range for full day or part-time care. Places for children under age 1 will also be eligible for funding. The Capacity Grant will be open to Core Funding partner services. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is undertaking a detailed needs analysis of supply and demand for Early Learning and Childcare. This analysis will identify areas of undersupply across the country and will allow the funding to be targeted at areas most in need. Welcoming the announcement, Minister Joe O’Brien said “This funding will enable services to develop new provisions where they are needed, and it will also extend existing services ensuring that capacity gaps are addressed.”

With the close of 2023, brings the close of another busy year for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs and we want to thank everyone again who supported us and volunteered throughout the year. Here’s to another year of fundraising and fun still yet to come! We are delighted with the success of our merchandise stand in SuperValu, Balbriggan on the 10th and 11th November which raised a fantastic total of €1,830.20 over the two days and on the 24th and 25th November, which saw the arrival of Santas Grotto at Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan which raised another brilliant total of €1,694 over two days. It’s safe to say the Christmas season well and truly kicked off with the arrival of Santa. On Sunday 10th December our branch continued the run up to Christmas by attending Bremore Castle Food and Craft Village Christmas Market with our Christmas cards, calendars and car raffle tickets. With the start of the new year, while things are a bit quiet, it is also is a time for many people to make new year’s resolutions and our branch is looking for three or four volunteers specifically, to empty our counter boxes. In 2023 we increased our counter box team in Balbriggan and Dublin city. We badly need help in Skerries, Rush and Lusk and also in rural North County Dublin so why not make a resolution to join our counter box team? You can also still support our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs by tap to donating €3 at one of our machines at Specsavers in Millfield Shopping Centre, Specsavers in Ashbourne, Skinny Batch Café in Lusk, Pet Stop in Airside and Specsavers in GPO Arcade Dublin. You can also keep an eye on our social media pages for any upcoming events and if you would like to get involved or are interested in volunteering with us, please feel free to contact us: Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, you can phone or text us on 085 7663107, email us at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.