Following planning approval at the Council meeting on 11 May 2026, Fingal County Council has confirmed that the long-awaited Balbriggan community swimming pool project is now progressing towards construction, marking a significant milestone for the town and the wider North Fingal region.
The proposed development consists of a single-storey public swimming pool facility featuring a 25-metre, six-lane pool and a spectator viewing gallery.
Supporting amenities will include village-style, group and accessible changing facilities, showers and toilets, a reception and waiting area, staff offices and welfare facilities, meeting rooms, storage areas, plant and chemical storage rooms, and buggy storage.
In line with Fingal County Council’s sustainability objectives, photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed at roof level to support energy-efficient operation.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, welcomed the progress:
“This is a very positive development for Balbriggan, Skerries, Lusk and beyond. The pool will provide a high-quality, accessible public facility for families, schools and swimmers of all ages, and represents an important addition to the social and recreational infrastructure of the area. It’s a great day for North Fingal, with an estimated investment of more than €11 million.”
Director of Services, David Storey, emphasised the significance of the project:
“This is a major step forward for Balbriggan and the wider North Fingal area. For a long time, there has been a clear need for a high-quality public swimming facility, and we are now moving closer to delivering that reality. This project is about increasing access, supporting active lifestyles, and providing a vital community resource that will benefit people of all ages for generations to come. It is a strong example of how targeted investment can make a real and lasting difference in people’s daily lives.”
Balbriggan Summerfest recently held a charity football match in memory of Conor Allen and in aid of the Balbriggan Cancer Support Group. The fundraiser was organised on behalf of Conor’s family, who chose the charity in recognition of the vital support they provide to individuals and families in our community affected by cancer.
“Conor was a wonderful young man with a huge love for Balbriggan, for sport and especially for football. He brought people together with his energy, kindness and passion for the game. To honour his memory, we want to make this charity football match an annual event — a day that celebrates Conor’s life while giving back to a cause close to his family’s heart,” the organisers explained.
“We are so grateful for your support, whether through donating, or for coming along on the day. Together, we can remember Conor and make a real difference in our community”
The Thrive Swords Connect Café, held on Thursday, 26th March at the Carnegie Library, marked an inspiring beginning for this growing community-led initiative to promote positive mental health and wellbeing through activities that benefit the people of Swords.
Organised by Thrive Swords, a Mental Health Ireland initiative, supported by Fingal County Council, the event brought together a wide range of local services, community groups, and members of the public in a warm and welcoming space. The atmosphere throughout the morning was filled with positivity, connection, and a shared sense of purpose. Attendees had the opportunity to meet, chat, and learn more about the supports and initiatives available within Swords.
Thrive is an international movement dedicated to promoting mental health and wellbeing. It supports communities through meaningful engagement and activities that embrace, nurture, and protect mental health. Thrive Swords is shaped and led by the Fingal community itself, ensuring that local voices and needs remain at its heart. The initiative is supported locally by Fingal County Council, reflecting a strong partnership between community and public services.
The success of the Connect Café highlights the appetite within Swords for spaces where people can come together, feel supported, and build connections. It sets a strong foundation for future events and initiatives aimed at enhancing well-being across the area.
Looking ahead, Thrive Swords is preparing for its next event, Mental Health Ireland’s national “Hello, How Are You?” campaign on 15th May. This campaign will continue the important conversation around mental health, encouraging people to check in with one another and foster a culture of openness and care.
With such a positive event, Thrive Swords is proving to be a valuable and uplifting presence in the community, one that is set to grow and make a lasting impact. For more information in getting involved with Thrive Swords please contact thriveswords@mentalhealthireland.ie
Since 2018 TG4 has invited applications from third level graduates, or newcomers to the industry, to participate in a year-long work experience internship programme with the Irish language station.
Among the current interns is Ellen Nic Conuladh a 26-year-old animation filmmaker from Swords in North Dublin with four years’ experience working on productions for major platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and RTÉ. She studied 2D Animation at IADT, where she created an award-screened animated documentary about her father’s childhood during the Troubles, later gaining industry recognition including a 2023 VFX IFTA with EGG Post Production.
Internships within TG4 offer valuable hands-on experience across a range of media roles, particularly for those with strong Irish language skills. Opportunities include placements in areas such as social media, production, and sports broadcasting, where interns contribute to content creation, live event coverage, and digital engagement. Interns can gain experience across a variety of departments, including BLOC, MOLSCÉAL, Spórt TG4, Foghlaim TG4, as well as in graphic design and editing. TG4 is currently seeking new interns in these areas, providing an exciting opportunity for individuals to develop practical skills in a dynamic, Irish-language media environment while building a strong foundation for a career in broadcasting.
Ellen credits her love and respect for the Irish language and culture to her primary school years in Scoil an Duinnínigh in Feiltrim, Co.Dublin. After her year with TG4 she hopes to use the internship to develop Irish-language storytelling and continue highlighting modern Irish stories through animation. Ellen says that “the TG4 internship is an opportunity to nurture my love for the Irish language/ culture while also getting the opportunity to return to and refine my creative work.”
If you’re interested in becoming part of the next group of TG4 interns, please send your CV with a cover letter to cv@tg4.ie
Closing date for applications is Sunday the 12th of April.
Media Contact: Linda Ní Ghríofa, TG4 Communications Editor Linda.ni.ghriofa@tg4.ie
Do you want to increase your skill set to support your career? Does the thought of presenting to a crowd put the fear of god in you? Why not conquer your fear and head along to Swords Toastmasters public speaking club for an obligation free visit.
That’s exactly what member Rita Fagan did over 30 years ago when she wanted to increase her skills for her job.
Rita said ‘Toastmasters is an excellent way to improve your communication skills. You learn how to connect with your audience and get your message across in a clear and effective way. You also learn how to listen and evaluate which is a valuable skill in all aspects of life. All this is done in a fun, friendly non judgmental atmosphere. Come and join us and see for yourself.’
Swords Toastmasters is a club that helps people develop their public speaking, listening, and leadership skills, in a fun and supportive environment. Members join for a variety of reasons. Some, to progress their careers, to perform better at interviews, to practice for workplace presentations, or even for that all important wedding speech. If you would like to see Rita and her fellow Toastmasters in action, get in touch today, for an obligation-free visit. Perhaps you will be inspired to take the first step towards finding your own voice and changing your life!
Swords Toastmasters . Date: Every 2nd Monday, Location: Forrest Little Golf Club, Forrest Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 K825 Time: 8p.m. – 10p.m.For more information, email swordstm@gmail.com or contact the membership officer on 086 8538048.
Work has officially begun on the R132 Connectivity Project in Swords, a transformative infrastructure project designed to support the town’s rapidly expanding population and growing transport needs.
This project, in the region of €21 million and funded by the National Transport Authority, will make day-to-day movement through Swords easier by improving walking and cycling routes, strengthening east–west connections, and delivering a more user-friendly road layout.
These works are designed to address the immediate needs of a rapidly growing population, ensuring that residents experience safer journeys and better access to key areas of the town. At the same time, the project provides essential groundwork for future public transport improvements, including both MetroLink and BusConnects, which will rely on an upgraded R132 corridor to operate efficiently.
Following the awarding of the contract to Murphy, construction will commence shortly, marking a significant step by Fingal County Council towards ensuring that Swords has the infrastructure it needs now and into the future, allowing the town to remain a well-connected and thriving community.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “Today marks more than the start of construction – it is the launch of a new chapter for Swords. By reshaping the R132 into a safer, more sustainable and people focused corridor, we are laying the foundations for a more connected community and preparing our County town to fully embrace the opportunities that key projects like BusConnects and MetroLink will bring. This is the beginning of a transformation that will strengthen Swords for generations to come.”
Construction is being delivered in four phases over 25 months along the 3km stretch of road between the Bostik junction and the edge of the Pinnock Hill roundabout near Airside. The first phase, which is expected to last six months, will focus on replacing the Estuary roundabout with a four arm signalised junction. This redesign will make the area significantly safer for pedestrians and cyclists while improving traffic flow and reducing conflict points for all road users.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, said: “As Swords continues to grow, it is vital that we match that growth with modern, future proofed transport infrastructure. The R132 upgrade is a key step in creating a safer, more connected town and in preparing this strategic corridor for major public transport investments such as MetroLink and BusConnects. This project will help ensure Swords has the capacity and connectivity it needs as one of the country’s fastest growing towns.”
On Saturday April 11th the first ever Rush Cultural Extravaganza took place. Organised by Rush Tidy Towns the event showcased the wide range of musical, sporting, social and leisure groups in the town.
Rush Multi-Purpose Youth Facility hosted an Expo of seventeen local sporting and social groups including St. Maur’s GAA club, Rush Athletic football club, budding astronomers were thrilled with the huge telescope set up by Rush Astronomy club and the Scouts organised a magnificent display of their camping skills in the outdoor area. Face painters and live music added to the festival atmosphere as families explored the many groups and societies that run in the town.
Over in the Millbank theatre a selection of three performance musical events allowed the impressive talents of Rush residents to be displayed. The ‘Open Mic’ section was an opportunity for newer artists to perform where acts included singing and poetry readings. The ‘Meet me at the Millbank’ section saw eight well established musical groups and individuals perform to a delighted audience. The highlight of the night was the Gala Concert, which saw glorious performances from the Rush Folk Group and Rush Traditional Irish Music Group and the award-winning vocal group, Rush Musical Society Singers.
Special guests in attendance were Fingal Mayor Tom O’Leary, Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee, TD Rob O Donohue, Cllr Eoghan Dockrell, Cllr Mark Boland, LEA Brian Dennehy, Aoife Sheridan from Fingal County Council and Sean Sheehan, CEO of Scouting Ireland. The day’s events which were sponsored by Creative Ireland were a resounding success. Chairperson of Rush Tidy Towns Brendan O’Reilly said, “The feedback we have received from the exhibitors, performers and visitors has been phenomenal. We were delighted to be able to bring all these local groups, clubs and performers together in one day across two venues to show just what Rush has to offer. And a big thank you to all the volunteers from Rush Tidy Towns, Rush Community Council and Rush Scouts for making the day happen
The Rush Daff Day committee are honestly overwhelmed by the incredible support this year. The whole community showed up and turned Rush into a sea of yellow
We kicked off at a very questionable 6am on Friday and somehow kept going until 3pm Sunday… powered mostly by tea, community spirit, with our motto keeping us going “we wont give up till cancer does”
It all started back in December with the legendary Christmas Swim, festive busking from the Macks (who sacrificed Christmas Eve for the cause), a swimming twalker, sea swimmers braving icy waters, and a whole lot of generosity. Thanks to Rush Sailing Club for hosting this event and supporting Irish Cancer Society again in 2025/26
Our newly re-energised committee met five times (yes, actual meetings), plotted, planned, and delivered a jam-packed weekend. A huge thanks to Debbie and team at Rush Community Council who support us year on year with the use of their premises and a willing staff who help to set the day up and continue to work with us before and after the event. This year we had a Sunday Twalk with Declan, Aaron and Antoinette and again a huge thanks to Laura Emma and Joe in the Strand for hosting the event on the Sunday – what a perfect way to finish off the weekend.
Thanks to all the business who made donations, both cash and flowers – your support year on year is amazing.
Now… onto the stats you didn’t know you needed; 114 volunteers (basically superheroes in disguise); 810 fifty-cent pieces (we checked… twice ); 1,600 daffodils (no bees were harmed); 65 DAFFS in the Garden of Hope ; 79 Dolmio jars reborn as fancy vases; 100s of cups of tea & coffee (keeping Ireland going strong); 76 twalkers; 58 runners; 48 swimmers (built different );1 traditional band – the Macks; 1 hidden kitchen legend – Maeve.
From Friday to Monday, we laughed, cried, and turned the town gloriously yellow Friendships were rekindled, support was shared, and we stood together for those fighting cancer and those we’ve lost.
And together… we raised over €30,000.00 this is online donations and cash at Christmas and on Daff Day events (drumroll pending)
Finally, a very special moment…
This year’s Irish Cancer Society Community Champions are:
Maise O’Dowd & Declan Costelloe
Two absolute legends – one a fresh force of inspiration, the other a long-time hero (years undisclosed for safety reasons). From the bottom of our hearts – thank you, Rush. You smashed it
Fingal County Council has commenced work on the redevelopment of the GAA and soccer pitches at Skerries Town Park, with a €1.3 million investment designed to enhance sports and recreational facilities for local clubs and the wider community.
The start of the project was officially marked with a sod turning ceremony, attended by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, Local Community Groups, Skerries Town FC, Skerries Harps GAA Club and Senior Parks and Landscape Officer at Fingal County Council, Kevin Halpenny.
The major upgrade will significantly enhance the quality and usability of the pitches through the installation of enhanced drainage systems, enabling increased year round play.
Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Tom O’Leary, said: “It is fantastic to see this important investment in Skerries Town Park finally getting underway. These pitches are at the heart of the community, used by local clubs such as Skerries Harps, Skerries Town FC, and Skerries Athletics Club , as well as by families and young people from right across the area. This much needed upgrade will make a real difference, providing high quality facilities that the people of Skerries can enjoy all year round.”
Beyond the pitch upgrades, the project will also enhance the overall park environment. New landscaping works will be undertaken, while improved pathways will support better accessibility and connectivity for walkers, families and spectators using the space. Skerries Athletics Club are very much looking forward to utilising the new 3m Pathways for training. These enhancements ensure the redevelopment delivers wider community benefits, making the park more welcoming for all users, not just sporting clubs.
The project represents a significant investment in local sports infrastructure, supporting grassroots sport and encouraging greater participation in outdoor activity across all age groups. Importantly, the improved drainage will help reduce overuse damage, extending the lifespan of the pitches and reducing maintenance disruption, particularly during wetter months.
Kevin Halpenny, the Senior Parks and Landscape Officer at Fingal County Council, added: “This €1.3 million investment responds directly to the growing demand on sports and recreational facilities in Skerries. These works will significantly enhance the quality, reliability and longevity of the pitches, ensuring Skerries Town Park continues to meet the needs of the community for many years to come.”
Construction of the new pitches will take approximately five months and will be followed by a 12-month maintenance period during which the new pitches will be developed to achieve GAA and FAI standard playing surfaces.
Access to Skerries Mills, the Community Centre, all-weather hockey pitch and tennis courts will be maintained throughout the project, while the new paths through the park will be open for use during the 12-month maintenance period.
In response to the needs of the local community in Loughshinny, Fingal County Council has launched a public consultation on proposals for a new public play space, designed to create an inviting place for play and outdoor activity for the town.
The proposal seeks to provide high-quality, inclusive, and locally accessible play opportunities for children and families, the design comprises a circular layout inspired by the nearby Martello Tower, giving the play space a strong sense of place and local identity.
Given the elevated and exposed nature of the site, the play space has been carefully designed with levels defined and enclosed by landscaped hedging. This serves a dual purpose: providing shelter from the prevailing winds while also contributing positively to the overall landscape character and visual integration of the location.
The play facilities are organised into a number of distinct yet interconnected zones, each catering for different age groups and abilities. This zoning strategy supports inclusive, interactive, and imaginative play, encouraging children of varying ages to engage with the space in a safe and stimulating environment.
Sand and water play elements are incorporated throughout the design, reflecting the coastal location while delivering important sensory experiences and varied play opportunities. These elements are intended to support physical, cognitive and social development in line with best practice in contemporary play design.
The proposal aims to enhance the public realm, promote outdoor activity, and support the health and wellbeing of children, families, and visitors in Loughshinny and the wider area.
The consultation is being carried out under the Part XI process, which gives the public an opportunity to view the proposals and share their views before the Council makes a final decision.
Further details about the consultation and how to make submissions can be found: https://fingal.live/mt7ca83t.