Corina Johnston Labour Party Area Representative has welcomed the commitment from Fingal County Council for the much needed pedestrian access into Newbridge Demesne off the Hearse Road. We wrote to the CEO on 10th February requesting that this project be given the priority it deserves. We also requested a footpath be provided from the new bus stop to the pedestrian crossing on health and safety grounds.” Johnston said:”I wish to compliment the role played by the residents of Semple Woods in this campaign and for their persistence on such an important health and safety issue for themselves and their children. I am delighted to have received the following response to a question submitted by my colleague Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh to a recent council meeting on my behalf in respect of the proposed new entrance. The Council’s reply said, “Following on from a meeting on the Hearse Road at the entrance to Semple Woods Estate by staff from the Operations Department, Planning and Strategic Infrastructure Department and Active Travel the following list of works were identified. The current plan is to try and get all works completed by the end of Q4 2022. As the works are not included in any current work programme it will be necessary to prepare drawings/ specifications for works/ materials to be used and to arrange procurement. • Travelling towards Donabate install new footpath and heritage bollards from new bus stop to the pedestrian crossing.

(1) Open existing gate in Newbridge to allow pedestrian access to the Demesne, (2) Construct new footpath within the Demesne to link with existing path, (3) Move the 50KPH signage south of new bus stop, (4) Remove barriers at crossing and install new barriers at the entrance into the Demesne.
Consideration will also be given to the inclusion of two traffic calming ramps on the Hearse Road at Semple Woods in future Programme of Works.” Johnston concluded; “I am very pleased with the commitment given to carry out the works outlined above which should see the new access in operation by the end of the year.

LSA Juvenile training has ended for the summer break. If you are interested in signing up your child born in 2015 or older, please contact Heather on lambaysportsathletics@gmail.com Thanks to all our coaches and volunteers during the year and see you all in the Autumn. We have a 3 day summer camp on 19th, 20th and 21st July, check it out at lambaysportsathletics.clubzap.com/pages/summer-camp-2022.Our Adult section continues all year around catering for all abilities from absolute beginner to advanced marathon runners and track and field competition. For more details check out our webpage on lambaysportsathletics.ie.

The HSE Foróige Youth Health Initiative, which is situated in the two centres of Castlemills Education Centre, Flemington and the old Balbriggan Health Centre, has just appointed four new youth workers Cillian, Mégan, Conall and Lorraine. The project is open to all young people aged 10 – 24 who are living in the Balbriggan area. It will work in partnership with HSE services, schools and the local community to ensure collaborative work takes place and will allow all young people access to good quality youth work. All youth work programs and activities for young people in Balbriggan will be based on Foróige’s proven programs which will lead to a more positive and healthy lifestyle. Another exciting element of the work will include the opening of a new technology hub that can be accessed by young people and can explore the likes of coding, graphic design, music and much more. “Foróige is very excited to be working with the HSE in delivery of this brand new project. All young people who want to be involved in youth work should be able to participate. The purpose of our work is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development of society.This project is a first for the country and we are delighted to have it here in Balbriggan”, said Miriam Ryan, Area Manager, Foróige. The project is currently launching their summer programs which will run over July and August. Each week will be jam-packed with an exciting array of activities and experiences for young people to choose from, including sports weeks, arts and crafts, day trips, forest based sessions, and access to the new cutting-edge technology hub. These summer programs are an excellent opportunity for young people to come and learn more about the new project and get a feel for the type of programs that will be available throughout the year. To book onto one of the summer programmes, simply scan the QR code found on the image. Foróige is an independent, non-profit national voluntary youth organisation that greatly values volunteerism. One of the goals for the new project is to run weekly clubs throughout the school year and is actively seeking volunteers. Foróige welcomes anyone who would like to get involved and provide opportunities with young people in their community. For more information about volunteering with the new HSE Youth Health Initiative contact Lorraine Farrell on 086 0123078 or email lorraine.farrell@foroige.ie

Some of our younger members put on a sparkling display in the glorious sunshine in Balscadden recently at the tractor run , which was wonderful as it was back to the roots where St. Marys Baton Twirlers began some 43 years ago.The present boys and girls are looking forward to competing in the 2022 ABTI National Championships at the end of June. For further information on classes contact us on Facebook messenger @StMarys Baton Twirlers or 086 3270636.

We have some exciting new additions to the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch! On Monday the 9th of May, Adele Halpin of Stamullen welcomed black Labrador, Voldee into her home as a puppy in training, where he will stay with Adele and her family for the next 12-14 months before he heads off to Cork HQ. Andy Green of Balbriggan also welcomed a new addition. Andy returned to Balbriggan with his new guide dog, golden Labrador, Ollie on Friday the 13th of May, after the retirement of his trusty Guide Dog Nico last year. Andy, along with Ollie and his wonderful choir Cór Fingal performed in Millfield Shopping Centre, outside Specsavers on the 28th May last. The recital was in part to celebrate the fact that Andy got a new Guide Dog and also because Specsavers has been in Balbriggan now for ten years. Did you know that thanks to Brian Brodigan and Paul Quinn of our local Specsavers, a tap to donate machine for the Irish Guide dogs has now gone into over 50 Specsavers across Ireland? If you want to support us, you can find one of our tap to donate machines, where you can donate a minimum of €3 to us in Specsavers, Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan. We are so grateful for all the support. We want to thank Brian, Paul and Specsavers. We would also like to wish Adele and Voldee and Andy and Ollie all the best in the future.

You might remember Adel, puppy raised by Anne Mulligan, went to Cork HQ back on May 17th and we are pleased to say Adel has settled in very well in the centre and we’re looking forward to all the promising updates to come. Would you like to be a puppy raiser and help change lives? You can find information on the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind website guidedogs.ie or email support@guidedogs.ie, you can also contact your local branch on Facebook, by email at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or by mobile on 085 766 3107 to find out ways to support your local branch.

Bremore Castle Food & Craft Village returned as a monthly fixture, from Sunday May 1st when the gates opened from 11am until 4pm. Based on the grounds of the magnificent Bremore Castle at the heart of the Balbriggan community in North County Dublin. The market brings together local businesses & artists to showcase a variety of local produce, artisan food and handmade crafts in an open-air family and pet friendly environment. The market will be running on the first weekend of every month (subject to planning and permission), and dates will be posted well in advance on all social media channels. With work nearing completion on Bremore Castle restoration, it is also an opportunity for the public to get a closer view of the incredible work that has been done on this amazing structure. Bremore Castle is a large tower house located in Balbriggan, County Dublin. Estimated to have been built in the 14th century, the Norman Barnewalls family held it from the time of construction till 1727, the year in which it was sold. However, the first mention of this castle or its location was in reference to William Rosel De Brimor, who held land in England and Ireland at the end of the 13th century. Its deterioration began much before the sale, and by 1783, it was termed as “not many years ago inhabited” by Austin Cooper, a prominent antiquarian of that time. For any enquiries regarding the market, please contact our email bremorecastlefcv@gmail.com or visit us on Instagram by contacting us at instagram.com/bremorecastlefoodcraftvillage) or you could Facebook us at facebook.com/BremoreCastleFoodCraftVillage.

Fingal County Council is delighted to announce the launch of Cycling Without Age Fingal, which officially began with a celebratory cycle at St. Catherine’s Park, Lucan on Wednesday, 18 May. Cycling Without Age is a movement that started in Denmark in 2012, led by social entrepreneur Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help older people get back on their bicycles, but needed a solution to their limited mobility.The answer was a trishaw and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents.Trishaw bikes offer a very comfortable cycling experience for passengers and cyclists with deep, secure seats designed for maximum safety and electric power assistance helping the cyclist to efficiently manage the load as they move. The Cycling Without Age initiative isn’t just about cycling, it is about meeting the social needs of older people by providing social connection and inclusion.There are 4 locations for Cycling Without Age Trishaws in Fingal. Located at St. Catherine’s Park, the Baldoyle Portmarnock Greenway, South Strand Skerries and in Northwood Demesne where Fingal County Council have partnered with Dublin City University. These 4 local schemes provide an array of opportunities for nursing homes, older persons’ organisations and individuals who want to feel the wind in their hair on a refreshing open-air cycle.Since 2021 Fingal County Council has been recruiting and training volunteers, also known as trishaw pilots, for this exciting scheme. Our older people have often grown up with cycling a major feature of their youth and it’s great to be giving those same people a chance to return to that feeling again. Cycling is a healthy social outlet for people of any age and can be an ideal tool to manage stress and combat isolation. We’re really looking forward to seeing the trishaws in use across Fingal.’At present trishaw cycle slots are bookable online via the Fingal County Council website and interested people are encouraged to contact active.travel@fingal.ie for more information.

Fingal County Council and the Football Association of Ireland have recently celebrated the graduation of the class of ’22 on the Football and Fitness TY Course, a joint collaboration based at the Corduff Sports Centre. The only course of its kind in Ireland, Football and Fitness has welcomed the latest graduation of its TY students, providing them with the opportunity to meet their educational requirements whilst also developing a whole range of football, fitness and life skills.The 25 TY students from across Fingal received their certificates in front of an audience that included senior members of the FAI, Fingal County Council officials and those involved in the day-to-day running of the programme. Also on hand to congratulate the latest cohort was Republic of Ireland assistant manager Keith Andrews. He was there alongside Ireland Under-21 and Motherwell star Ross Tierney, who graduated from the TY course in 2017 whilst also playing for Bohemians.While football remains a central focus of the joint Fingal County Council and FAI initiative, students participating in the course also benefit from gaining a highly sought after full Fitness Instructor’s qualification from Litton Lane Training. They also undertake the FAI’s Coach Education pathway that gives them PDP1 and PDP2 qualifications, as well as a gym instructor qualification.Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Daniel Whooley praised the commitment of the new TY graduates and that of the coaching staff: FAI Course coordinator Denis Hyland stated: “This is the sixth year of the course and it has gone from strength to strength. This year they also had an opportunity to gain insights from current Ireland and Everton captain Séamus Coleman, who took the time to share his knowledge and experience as a professional player.Since launching in 2016, the TY course has been run in the Dublin 15 area of Fingal, with Corduff Sports Centre providing a base for the various aspects the course involves. Another important element of the course sees the students giving back some of their new founds skills by conducting lessons at schools and with community groups across Fingal.

Congratulations are in order for Swords local Szymon Kupiec on the award of his JKS Shodan Diploma recently. He was presented with his Diploma by the head of JKS Ireland Dermot O Keeffe Sensei 6th Dan in front of JKS Ireland Brown & Black Belts at this month’s National training session. Szymon took his Black Belt examination in December 2021 after 10 years of training. He had to complete a series of Kihon (Basics), followed by several Kumite (Fighting) matches with other examinees. He finished the examination by performing his Katas (Forms) Bassai Dai, Junro Nidan and Heian Godan. Szymon is continuing his training and working towards his 2nd Dan Black Belt.

We hosted JKS Ireland National Brown & Black Belt training this month. We covered our grading syllabi for 1st and 2nd Dan Black Belt and then studied the Kata Unsu. This is an ancient kata with a lot of complex and demanding moves. The name Unsu translates from Japanese to English as Cloud Hands and explains some of the stranger hand movements of this Kata.We welcomed Makita Sensei 6th Dan JKS Honbu Dojo Instructor from Japan and Jesper Marksvarden Sensei 7th Dan JKS from Denmark for our Spring/Summer Seminar in mid-May. This is the first time since the pandemic began that we have had visiting Instructors and it promises to be a very exciting Seminar over two days. Full report in the next Club News. Class reports: Tigers and Juniors are on course for the summer grading examinations. Everyone is working hard learning their Kata and practicing their Kihon. Seniors continue to work on the technical aspects of Karate with a focus on exploring how it translates into real world self-defence.We take new members (Children, Young People & Adults) all through the year. Contact Dermot on 087-98073885 for details on how to join. Contact us on Facebook: JKS Swords Karate Club or on Instagram: @jks_swords_karate_club

Fingal County Council has concluded public consultation on proposed protected cycle lane upgrades for St Cronan’s Avenue and Brackenstown Road in Swords. Interested individuals and businesses in the area were invited to respond to plans for cycle lane upgrades, through an online portal or by post, from 25 March to 29 April. The consultation was promoted to those living in the locality through a leaflet drop, letters to local businesses, social media posts and an online information session which took place on 12 April. Fingal County Council also met with key stakeholders including Brackenstown Parish, Dublin Bus, Swords Express, St Cronan’s Junior and Senior National Schools, ESB Networks and local business owners before and during the public consultation period. 31 submissions were received in the course of the 5-week consultation period. All submissions received by Fingal County Council are being read and considered by the Department of Environment, Climate Action and Active Travel and by their design consultants prior to commencement of work on site. The Project Team, in Fingal County Council, are pleased with the local engagement for the plans in the area. We have received a good deal of interest in the plans for St Cronan’s Avenue and Brackenstown Road and the submissions received have helped us best understand the needs of the community. All submissions have been made public and can be read at consult.fingal.ie/en/node/24833/submissions