Fingal County Council was delighted to be informed this week that Malahide Cricket Club in Fingal will be hosting four matches in the forthcoming tour of Ireland by Cricket South Africa.Fielding one of the world’s best cricket teams including the world’s fastest international century-maker David Miller, South Africa will be returning to Fingal and Ireland, for the first time in fourteen years from July 11th to 20th 2021, as both teams seek to secure the qualifying points for the Cricket World Cup to be held in India in 2023.The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Healy was delighted to welcome the news of the South African tour adding: “This is a tremendous boost for Fingal. It shows yet again, that if we can work together to defeat this virus now, we can look forward to world-class sport in our local community in July.”South African cricket has strong links with Fingal as some of our leading Transition Year (TY) cricket students were able, thanks to our Fingal County Council Development Manager, Brian O’Rourke’s work in conjunction with Cricket Leinster, to have the privilege of educational placements at some of South African’s leading schools, such as Glenwood High School, Durban & St Stithians in Johannesburg.Brian O’Rourke welcomed the news of the tour: “Another exciting cricket opportunity for Fingal, one that I hope that will feature local cricketers, and TY graduates playing for our country against some of the world’s best cricketers.”He further added his hope that the community can be engaged in the fixtures: “I hope that just as in 2018 when Pakistan played the historic first Test match in Ireland at Malahide CC, Covid-19 restrictions will have eased, to allow not only spectators but local school cricketers able to attend special coaching opportunities, which did so much to help inspire the young cricketers in Fingal.”Margaret Geraghty, Director of Housing and Community Development for Fingal County Council sent the council’s fullest support for the tour, and for Malahide CC’s selection to host: “Congratulations to Malahide CC, a club that has worked tirelessly during the pandemic to help support its local community, on being selected to host such prestigious fixtures in July. We hope that the matches are not only a success on the field for Ireland, but for you as a club off the field, in showcasing all of the excellence you have now to host such world-class teams here in Fingal.”Cricket Ireland will continue to work with Cricket South Africa, Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, and the Sports Expert Group to ensure all fixtures comply with the COVID-19 protocols in place, so all details are subject to change but let uus hope that will not happen.
Ireland v South Africa series - * Matches form part of the ICC World Cup Super League
11 July: Ireland v South Africa, * 1st ODI, 13 July: Ireland v South Africa, * 2nd ODI, 16 July: Ireland v South Africa, * 3rd ODI , 20 July: Ireland v South Africa, 1st T20I
Matches form part of the ICC World Cup Super League with all games played in Malahide

At the March Area meeting Cllr Rob O’Donoghue tabled a motion regarding the Lusk Sports Hub. Virtual engagement between the Council and the 2020 Sport Group has continued during the current lockdown, the group were advised that further development of the Hub is contingent on the transfer to the Council of the balance of open space zoned land by the developer so that the key sporting infrastructure objectives can be met. Cllr O’Donoghue welcomed the continued engagement and urged the speedy delivery of remaining Class 1 Open Space to the Council for the benefit of the all the community in Lusk.In other Council news, the Fingal Development Plan 2023 - 2029 public consultation was opened on the 12th of March and will be open until the 12th of May. Councillor O’Donoghue ask that the people of Lusk have their say in development of Lusk into the future by making your submission on how you would like to see the town develop on the FCC website. The Council have also committed to bringing the pathway at the top of Orylnn Park which has been in need of repair for some time up to standard in the calendar year.

All may be quiet on the pitches of Lusk United Football Club, but behind the scenes the club is very much active. The club’s Youth Council, newly formed before Covid, are unable to interact with members as first planned…but they’ve not let a pandemic stop them. Rather, they have formed their very own ‘Skillz School’, broadcasting through the club’s social media platforms, urging younger members to get involved and get active. Indeed, The Youth Council took a front seat organising the St. Patrick’s Day Virtual Parade, which was a huge success. We are so proud of these young people getting involved in their club and community in a positive way. Follow their hashtag, #luskutdYC, to keep an eye on what they’re up to. On International Women’s Day, we celebrated our 30% female members aged 18 or under, female mentors and managers, ladies kick fit team and our female volunteers. Our girls team members reflected upon what sport and being part of Lusk United means to them. It was truly heart-warming to hear the girl’s thoughts and reflections. We were delighted to be joined by Jamie Finn, Irish International player. Jamie sent a contribution to the club’s International Women’s Day video, encouraging all girls to believe with determination and hard work anything is possible. Jamie has also been working via zoom with the U-11 girls team during lockdown…ready for the much awaited return to football.One of our academy coaches, left in October to go on tour with The Irish Army. A few months later a message was sent by Coach Paul asking if any jerseys or football boots could be collected and sent to Mali. An SOS call was sent out. We were overwhelmed by the response from the Lusk community, St. Michael’s House and from Paul Keogh of the FAI. A huge shipment was sent to Mali. We are delighted to hear it has arrived safely this week and Coach Paul is back doing what he does best…coaching soccer. All in all a busy month for us, but one which embraces our ethos #workhard #havefun.

The recent Lusk 4 mile Virtual race was a tremendous success with over 700 registrations including over 200 Juvenile entries of the Thomas Ashe Dash. This was the highest number of juvenile entries in a Virtual race since lockdown began. We really appreciate the support of local athletes, other club runners and sponsors in making the event so successful. Thanks also to Annette Foy and Nicole Hodson for organising the event. There were some fantastic times recorded with Darren Ryan and Alex Bell retaining their titles as fastest male and female Lusk AC athletes.We would like to congratulate members for continuing their own training during this extended lockdown. Some of the times recorded over the last few months have been phenomenal and show the hard work being put in is really paying dividends. We are very excited to resume group training once allowed.The 40 day Sunrise Challenge is almost at an end. Well done to everyone who took part.

There is an old saying – the secret to getting ahead is getting started and that’s what we at Junsa have done, instead of waiting for lockdown to finish, and an end to restrictions so we can train together safely , we have gone training , online, and separately but together.Even though our students are safely training at home they are training together where they can still see and chat ( but not too much !) to each other over our Zoom training sessions.While it’s still not the same the students are still keeping their fitness and Taekwondo skills up to date.The club made their kick pads available to the students for home training, which means they need someone to hold the pads,and in steps the mams and dadsw to help out.It’s great to see the parents and guardians getting involved in the students sport.Well done to everyone , and huge thank you to all for the support. Here are some of our students training at home via Zoom.A huge thank you to everyone who has kept up their training online and we hope to see everyone back for training face to face as soon as it’s safe to do so.

At the March area meeting of Fingal County Council Cllr Brian Dennehy raised the issues of works required to be carried out at the Open Space at Chapel Farm Drive, Lusk and also the need for bollards at Rogerstown Estuary . Having previously allocated 100,000 Euro for the works in the 2021 – 2013 budget the Manager outlined the planned works to be carried out. “The additional area of land was acquired by Fingal County Council in 2016 when the remainder of public open space in Chapel Farm was taken in charge from the Receiver. It remains the intention of the Council to merge this additional area of land which is fenced off and not landscaped, with the adjacent developed Class 1 Public Open Space. There is provision in the 2021-2023 Capital Programme to commence landscaping works to facilitate the incorporation and merging of the two pieces of land. Initial works planned for 2021 /2022 are to remove the railings and reposition them to the rear boundary of the site. This will be followed with some earth moving to level and grass seed the new land. When these works settle it will be possible to start planning a perimeter pathway and a more detailed layout for the site. A corner of the site is currently being used as a Pyrite remediation holding area, so once that is vacated the council will be free to commence further works.” Mr Dennehy also welcomed Fingal County Councils positive response to erecting lockable bollards at the access points to Rogerstown Estuary as a measure to combat the large escalation of fly tipping in the area. He said, “ The stretch of the estuary which is accessible from both Lusk and Rush has witnessed in recent months, what can be only described as fly tipping on an industrial scale as rogue dumpers are taking advantage of the ready access to the area. Only the usage of trucks or other large vehicle would explain the volume of material dumped on occasions. Having chased after the implementation of the bollards over a long period of time it is great that the Council also see the benefit by having restricted access to the area while at the same time accommodation of local landowners as they work their lands. Removable bollards are listed on the general works list for installation at the entry points of Rogerstown Estuary from the access point at Rogerstown Park, and between the ramparts leading onto the Channel Road. However, discussion will have to take place with the landowner who utilises this area to access his lands.”

Our 1st AGM was held via Zoom on the 1st March. It was well attended and there was good cross party public representation, attended by our own committee member, Cllr Rob O’Donoghue, Cllr Brian Dennehy, Cllr Adrian Henchy, Louise O’Reilly TD, Duncan Smith TD and Senator Regina Doherty. Minister Joe O’Brien continues to meet us frequently. We are grateful of their support and will be in continuing need of it over the coming years to deliver Lusk’s 2030 plan. We are pleased to note the repair of the road at the Rush Roundabout. We continue to communicate with Fingal County Council regarding the narrowing of the pathway on the Station Road. It has become very dangerous, and we have been requesting a repair of this for 6 months. We would like to hear from anyone who has interest in being involved in a Lusk Men’s Shed. You can contact us on 0863017842 . The Fingal Development Plan public consultation period is now open until the 12th May. Submissions and observations are invited on what is to be included in the draft of the new plan. This is a critical time for the community to be engaged. All land rezoning takes place during the development plan. Once land is rezoned for residential, there is very little the community can do to stop housing development taking place. We want to avoid this happening in this development plan as any more housing would be simply unsustainable in Lusk. So we need as many voices as possible to be very clear about what Lusk does and does not need. We need clear opposition to any more zoning for residential. The building and completion of schools, the provision of amenity, the improvement of road infrastructure, a strategic plan for traffic management at Blake’s Cross, the improvement of rail and bus services and the provision of leisure amenity for our young people. And, importantly, the maintenance of the green space between Rush and Lusk.You can make a submission at the County Council’s website.

By Siobhan O’Neill White

While we are all still trying to get through Covid physically and emotionally, we have no real idea yet what the long-term economic impact will be. Sadly, some of the much-loved local businesses in our local area have closed their doors because they simply could not stay afloat. The creche our daughter attended, the café and bakery we loved; both gone for good because of Covid.There are ways we can help struggling local businesses keep going. If they are offering online sales, try to buy online from them. If your local hotel, café or restaurant is doing a take-away service, support them when you can. Shop local as much as possible, so when we do get through this – and we will get through this – these businesses will still be standing. We know how to support retailers but for service providers, like www.mams.ie, it is not as simple as ordering a take-away or making an online purchase. Due to Covid, we are unable to run our free monthly parent & baby coffee & movie mornings, organize goody bag giveaways or plan blogs & events. Most of our clients are closed due to lockdown and cannot advertise right now, which affects our income drastically. mams.ie has provided free chat forums & parenting support for 12 years. Our events, competitions and goody bags are always free too. It would break our hearts to go out of business. We want to bring back our coffee & movie mornings post-Covid and keep the mams.ie website & social channels going until then - but we need some help to stay afloat.Some of our members suggested we set up a Go Fund Me page; so that parents who use mams.ie and our social channels and/or attend our events can make a donation. If you would like to support, please see here: gofund.me/5c743c3b Stay safe, take care and we hope to see you again at mams.ie events sometime later this year. Until then, please go to mams.ie for chat, advice, support and our wonderful free competitions.

Fingal County Council is delighted to announce the commencement of the formal planning process for the proposed Bremore Regional Park Development Project. The proposed park development project is an important step in delivering the long-term vision for the park. The project led by the council’s Parks and Green Infrastructure Division covers the key infrastructure required to upgrade Bremore to regional park status and to best serve the needs of the local community. The park proposals have been designed to achieve the best fit between the provision of active and passive recreation and improved linkages to surrounding urban areas and taking a sensitive approach to the visual, historic and ecological attributes of the site.The focus of this Planning Application is on the lands within the park to the west of the rail-line as well and the section of the park to the south-east (designated as a new Coastal Park) encompassing a project area of over 15 hectares within the park. The park development project is organised under three distinct zones:The Balbriggan Sports & Recreational HubThis multifunctional campus will provide for a range of sporting activities as a shared public facility; these include athletics, all-weather football pitches with flood lighting; full size GAA pitch, soccer pitches, basketball courts, tennis courts, car park access and changing facilities. Central Zone Open Spaces - The central zone of Bremore Park has been designed to improve access, circulation and permeability between adjacent residential areas, the park and the sea while enhancing the physical and natural amenity of the space. The Coastal Park -The proposal for the Coastal Park aims to create a family orientated space which facilitates play, active recreation and social interaction. The existing playground and bandstand are supplemented with a skate bowl, grassed play-mounds and half-court basketball court which further animate this space. Soft landscaping of ornamental planting and trees will feature within a high-quality public realm with public lighting, street-furniture and bicycle parking. Seating areas will afford opportunities to sit, look and experience the sea.Building on the successful community consultations held to date, the council actively encourages feedback and comment on the proposed Bremore Regional Park Development during the submission period of 16th March to 30th April as detailed in the attached part 8 planning application available through the Council’s website.

It is 40 years since Balbriggan & District Historical Society was founded and here is a snap-shot from our archives 2016 Commemoration.The Society’s flagship event for 2016 was “Éirí Amach Na Cásca – Is Cuimhin Linn” our full day History Seminar in May. The seminar was opened by Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor and concluded with readings of Proclama-tion by local Secondary School students. The seminar featured 5 talks: Bairbre Curtis “Fingal in 1916”, Liz Darcy “Conserving an original 1916 Proclamation”, Jimmy Wren “The 1916 GPO Garrison and the connection with the OTooles G.A.A. Club”, Sean Collins “Observing from afar The Easter Rising Louth and Meath” and Micheál MacMathúna “Sinéad Ni Fhlannagáin (Bean De Valera) Daughter of Balbriggan and 1916” The last talk was timely providing context for Commemorative Plaque honouring Sinéad Ní Fhlannagáin De Valera which was about to be unveiled in the town. The enthusiastic audience enjoyed the excellent talks on both the local and national experience in 1916, and left with lots of new information and an appetite to learn more about this facinating period in our history.

The Society was also centrally involved in the Balbriggan 1916 Commemorative Committee which organised, among other activities, the erection of a Commemorative Plaque honouring Sinéad Ní Fhlannagáin De Valera. This Plaque was unveiled as part of a Commemorative day which included a Mass and Parade featuring the Fingal Old IRA, locals scouts and guides and the local community. May McKeon performed the duty of MC on the day, Gráinne Maguire read the Proclamation, and speakers included Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor, Mícheál MacMahúna, and Éamon Ó Cuív TD, grandson of Sinéad and the Plaque was un-veiled by Nora Ní Chuív her granddaughter. It was a memorable and important day for Bal-briggan and it was great to see so many of the DeValera and Flanagan family members there who were delighted to share with us their personal memories of Balbriggan. The event was attended by a large enthusiastic crowd and the Plaque will be a lasting physical reminder of the occasion.