Fingal County Council has commenced the review of the current Fingal Development Plan and preparing the new Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 and is now looking for the public to take an active part in the process which will take two years to complete.The process has now begun of an eight-week public consultation on the Strategic Issues Paper, the first stage of the process, which sets out some of the key topics that may need to be addressed in the new Development Plan.The Council is seeking to encourage public debate among citizens, businesses, community groups and other interested parties on what broad issues should be considered in the new Plan and online submissions can made by citizens and organisations between now and May 12 on Fingal County Council’s Consultation Portal,www.consult.fingal.ie. An Information Booklet, summarising the seven themes contained in the Strategic Issues Paper, has been distributed to households across Fingal from March 22..The seven themes are: People and Place, Climate Action, Connectivity and Movement, Employment, Economy & Dublin Airport, Cultural Heritage, Green Infrastructure & Natural Heritage and Infrastructure & Utilities.Four online consultation seminars featuring a total of eight presentations on topics raised in the Strategic Issues Paper will be held in April and a Minecraft workshop is also being developed to encourage the participation of younger citizens. Links to these will be available in due course on the Development Plan website and the Council’s social media channels. The Council intends to use the hashtag #FingalDevPlan on social media posts in relation to the Development Plan.The Development Plan process is scheduled to run for the next two years and will involve three public consultation stages before the final plan is adopted by Councillors in February 2023. The current stage, which is known as the pre-draft, sets out the strategic direction for the Plan and will form the framework into which objectives and policies at the subsequent stages will sit. The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The Development Plan review has come at a challenging and unprecedented time arising from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Climate Change and Brexit. However, these challenges also present opportunities to build on our vision to make Fingal the place to live, work, visit and do business. This first phase of consultation will play a very important role in the preparation and drafting of the Development Plan and we are inviting citizens, communities, organisations, businesses and stakeholders to become involved and to make their views known on the future development of our county.This will ensure that the next Development Plan responds to people’s aspirations for the county while also addressing any concerns that they may have.” Matthew McAleese, Fingal County Council’s Director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure, said: “The publication of the Strategic Issues Paper is the first step in the Development Plan process and the document presents an overview of the strategic issues facing the County. It sets out, under seven themes, some of the key issues that may need to be addressed by the new Plan. At this early stage, we are looking for input on these broad ‘big picture’ issues. Specific proposals relating to the zoning of lands should not be made at this stage as they cannot be considered.”Submissions on the Strategic Issues Paper must be received by 11.59pm on May 12 and these can be made at www.consult.fingal.ie or by post to the Development Plan Team, Planning and Strategic Infrastructure Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main St., Swords, Co. Dublin, K67X8Y2. The Development Plan process can be broken down into four phases:Phase 1:The Strategic Issues Paper is published. Following the receipt of submissions, a Chief Executive’s Report will be compiled and this will feed into the preparation of the Draft Development Plan.Phase 2:The Draft Development Plan will go out to public consultation in February 2022 after which another Chief Executive’s Report will be prepared on the submissions received and presented to councillors for consideration.Phase 3:There will be another public consultation on the Amended Draft Development Plan in November 2022 followed by a Chief Executive’s Report on the submissions received.Phase 4:Councillors will consider the Chief Executive’s Report in January 2023 and are expected to adopt the 2023-2029 Development Plan in February 2023. The new Development Plan will come into force six weeks after its adoption by the elected members.Further information on the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 is available at www.fingal.ie/developmentplan

Fingal County Council celebrated the Irish Language and culture with a fantastic online programme for Seachtain na Gaeilge this year. In partnership with the Seamus Ennis Centre they hosted a celebration of traditional music, live on Facebook and Youtube on Saturday March 6, it featured a stellar line up of musicians. Throughout the festival which ran from March 1-17 the Council aimed to reawaken love for the language with a wide range of online content including music, storytelling, and sport and encouraged everyone to use whatever Irish they had.The online seisiún on March 6 featured Conal Ó Gráda, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Billy Mag Fhloinn, Róisin Chambers & Luke Ward, Caitlín Nic Gabhann & Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. The musicians zoomed into the session live from all over Ireland and a great night which began at 8.30pm was had by all. Antaine Ó Faracháin and Nollaig Mac Cárthaigh are old friends of Seachtain na Gaeilge in Fingal and the Council were delighted to welcome them again for an intimate Zoom musical get together on March 10 at 6.45. Fingal Libraries also had storytelling with traditional Irish story-teller Niall De Burca on March 13 as well as lots of other online content posted. Fingal Sports Office posted content everyday and were delighted to feature skills videos from laochra spóirt – sporting heroes - Ciaran Kilkenny Dublin GAA star and Irish Cricketer Lorcan Tucker. Their main focus of all the online content was to celebrate and promote the language and culture and there was plenty of content to enjoy on the Council’s social media including Logainm an Lae and Seanfhocal an Lae.

Businesses in Fingal are being encouraged to apply for funding under a new assistance scheme launched by the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment. The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is intended to target those businesses with operating costs that do not qualify for the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners. Eligible applicants will be entitled to an initial payment of €4,000 for the period from January 1 to March 31, 2021 The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is available to companies, self-employed, sole traders or partnerships and the eligibility criteria for the SBASC and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) are similar. The main difference between SBASC and CRSS is the requirement, in the case of CRSS, for the public to have access to a business premises. SBASC also aligns with recently announced grant schemes for the tourism, arts and entertainment sectors.Speaking about this new funding announcement Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy said: “The survival of small business is vital for the towns and villages of Fingal and I encourage anyone eligible to apply this new SBASC funding which will be of great assistance in meeting some of their current costs so they can keep afloat until the pandemic restrictions can be loosened.” AnnMarie Farrelly Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “Fingal County Council have been providing a wide range of supports to local businesses and working with all stakeholders throughout the last year to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.The new funding provided under SBASC will be another important support for small businesses to ensure that they can reopen and continue to provide employment and vital services in communities across the county.”Emer O’Gorman Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development said: “The new SBASC funding is a welcome addition to the range of financial supports available to Fingal businesses to enable them help keep afloat until they can fully reopen. It builds on previous supports such as the Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus and our initiatives such as Fingal In it Together and Shop Local campaigns as we work closely with local Chambers of Commerce and national agencies to provide much-needed support to businesses. I would encourage all qualifying businesses to apply.”The grant, which is available as a contribution towards fixed costs to assist a business to keep operational for an eventual re-opening, is only available to an applicant operating from a rateable property. The scheme covers the period 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021. Each eligible applicant will receive a payment of €4,000 with an additional payment of €4,000 from May 2021 to applicants continuing to meet the scheme eligibility criteria. Full details and information on applying can be found on the Fingal County Council Website.The closing date for applications for the initial grant under SBASC is 21 April 2021.

Fingal Co Co hosted virtual celebration of International Women’s Day

Fingal County Council hosted a virtual celebration of International Women’s Day which took place on Monday, March 8, 2021. As physical events are not possible under current government restrictions, virtual celebrations featuring contributions from Community, Sports, Local Enterprise Office and Communications will be held this year. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.To mark the occasion, the Fingal County Council Communications Unit posted short videos throughout the day on their social media channels with contributions from female Fingal County Councillors, Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly and female members of the Fingal County Council Executive Management Team.The participants were asked to give an insight into why they decided to pursue their chosen career, what achievements they are most proud of and what women inspire them. It is part of a Fingal County Council initiative to build awareness of Local Government among women.Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and encourage women to embrace their part in leadership and change. It is important to celebrate the occasion even though we cannot do so in a physical capacity under current restrictions. I am delighted to be part of this virtual event which will give people an insight into the invaluable role of women in politics, sport, the public and voluntary sector and all aspects of life.” The Council’s Sports Office devised a series of events to mark International Women’s Day, including holding female-only FAI Player Development Plan and Safeguarding workshops, and focussing on various projects and initiatives taking place under the pillars of the Women in Sport Policy.Well-known TV personality and business woman Gráinne Seoige was the keynote speaker at the Fingal Enterprising Women Network event which took place online on March 5. This online event, hosted by LEO Fingal, was opened by Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly and was an excellent opportunity for women in business to share insights and lessons learned in their chosen fields. Fingal County Council’s Community Development Office celebrated International Women’s Day with a series of online conversations with women active in leadership in Fingal.

Our ‘Tap to Donate €3’ machine has arrived in Specsavers, Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan.A small countertop device which allows a contactless donation of €3. Displayed on the welcome desk it is simple to use, just ‘Tap to Donate’.Thank you Brian and Paul.2020 was a very difficult year for fundraising but with your help we raised €22,787.56 for Guide Dogs. Restrictions are still in place but when allowed we will be out in the community again.In January we received a cheque for €333.33 from Tesco’s community fund initiative. Thank you Tesco and especially Lisa from the local Millfield store.The annual Balbriggan Feis couldn’t be held in February but Damien, Ann and committee raised €966 for us through their Facebook fundraiser, thank you all.Thomas O’Grady, from Skerries, gave off-road dirt track motorbike lessons to some youngsters and raised €300, thank you Thomas. Anne and Yarrow raised €200 with their photo taken beside the large collecting dog in Millfield.Please view our videos on Facebook made by volunteers, Zoe, Anne, Andy, Tom, and Adele, with Guide dogs Nico and Qeb and puppies Yarrow and Lola.Please donate if you can at our facebook page Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs page.Do you have an idea for a fundraising event? We’d love to hear from you.Contact us by phone or text 085 7663107 or email guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com.A number of Transition Year students from Loreto Balbriggan participated in a virtual programme with IGDB in March.The 5 day programme is aimed to inspire students by raising awareness of the difference a Guide or Assistance Dog can make to others and how they can change lives. Guide Dog Day will be on Friday 7th May and we hope to be out with our new contactless machine which accepts donations in line with payment limits.Up to €50 by tap, over €50 you insert your card and enter your Pin.Yarrow remains with Anne but when he goes to Cork for training we will keep you informed on his progress as he hopefully becomes a Guide or Assistance Dog.

The Safe Balbriggan Pillar Group, which was ratified recently by the Balbriggan Leadership Group, held its first meeting and agreed a high-level work programme with three primary elements.These are: - Engaging & supporting our young people, - Fostering community integration and Creating safer public spaces. Representatives from the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, Foróige and Fingal County Council took part in the inaugural meeting which had a workshop format. They discussed the issues underpinning each of the three work themes and explored the challenges facing Balbriggan as the youngest and most diverse town in Ireland. These challenges include universal access to services, resourcing, and physical improvements to public spaces to improve community safety.The Pillar Group also examined opportunities to address these issues, selected areas for collaboration to deliver on objectives, and identified other key stakeholders, in the town and beyond, to be consulted as their work progresses. The range of existing and planned activities in Balbriggan by various agencies, such as An Garda Siochána, Foróige and Fingal County Council, was also discussed.The chairman of the Safe Balbriggan Pillar, Michael O’Sullivan, said: “It was a very productive meeting with a wide range of views and thoughts expressed during it. The importance of inclusivity and representation was very evident, as was the need for actions aimed at building trust, strengthening integration and improving community relations. We discussed the three High Level Objectives in detail and determined what needs to happen for each of these objectives to be achieved. We have identified the various agencies who will be responsible for the delivery of the actions that underpin the High Level Objectives and will now start working with those agencies to develop an Action Plan and agree the timescales required to deliver them.”

Fingal County Council has welcomed a recent announcement by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, that €25.4m has been awarded under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) for projects associated with the rejuvenation of Balbriggan. The funding will help realise eight projects under the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan by 2027. The overall cost of the projects is anticipated to be €33.9m with Fingal County Council providing €8.5m to complete the planned public realm improvements.The eight projects are: Quay Street,Harbour, 2/4 Dublin Street,Bridge Street Railway Street,Millpond Park,Promenade & Coastal Improvements,Castle to Castle Cycleway.Professor Brian MacCraith, Chair of the Balbriggan Leadership Group, said: “On behalf of the Balbriggan Leadership Group, I welcome this announcement wholeheartedly. ” With funding now secured, Fingal County Council plans to deliver the eight projects in phases. The first phase, which is scheduled for completion by 2023, will involve the reimaging of the public realm at Quay Street, the upgrading of the Harbour area and the development of Artists’ Studios and a Digital Innovation/Maker Space at 2/4 Dublin Street. The development of Bremore Regional Park, the Fingal Coastal Way and Bridge Street is expected to be finished by 2026. These projects will involve improvements to the promenade and coastal areas as well as a cycleway between Bremore Castle and Ardgillan Castle which will form part of the Fingal Coastal Way. It also includes the redevelopment of buildings on Bridge Street which have recently been acquired by the Council.The final phase will be completed by 2027 and will see the rejuvenation of Railway Street and Millpond Park. This will be a key part of the rejuvenation plan focusing on the town’s urban core and opening up its green corridor, the River Bracken, through Millpond Park.Fingal County Council is now progressing to the procurement of design teams for the public realm improvement projects. They will prepare plans for the redevelopment of the buildings and public realm areas for public consultation before construction commences.

The youth service is now running an employability Programme every Wednesday and Thursday for young people who are not in education, training or employment.

The aim of the programme is to increase young people’s employability, enhance their acquisition of employability skills and aid their preparedness and progression to employment, education or training through engagement with youth work programmes delivered by the voluntary youth work sector.The programme give young people the opportunity to explore different careers, develop their own personal goals, develop a plan for finding suitable education training or employment. Young people will develop their CV and interview skills, prepare for their driver theory test while also gaining an understanding of road safety through the RSA Wrecked programme. Young people will also develop skills to assist them in the workforce such as improved communication and leadership skills, problem solving, team work. Young people will also learn about entrepreneurship and how to develop their own business. For more information or to express your interest in the programme please call Aine on 086-7710790 or email aine.mcguinness@foroige.ie

Fingal County Council Sports Office will be adding to the Fingal HomeFit live series by facilitating a free yoga programme. Erica from Yoga Sanctuary will be teaching a 4-week online yoga course aimed at beginners, but all are welcome. She will guide you through a 1-hour class each week aimed at introducing you to the benefits of yoga through breathwork, yoga postures and relaxation. If you are interested in starting something new for yourself or would like to join in to stretch out and feel good in your body, then join Erica from Wednesday, March 3rd at 6 pm.The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Healy said: “Another excellent online programme from Fingal County Council Sports Office. The Fingal HomeFit programme has been an important exercise option for many people during the current government restrictions. The inclusion of a 4-week Yoga programme is fantastic news and will give people an extra activity to participate in the evenings.” Margaret Geraghty, Director of Housing and Community Development for Fingal County Council said: “The Fingal Sports Office HomeFit live sessions have been a great success. Adding a new class to the already popular programme will give participants the chance to try a new physical activity from the comfort of their home.” For more information contact Noel McManus, Fingal County Council Community Sports Development Officer

Fingal County Council are please to announce that enabling works are due to start in coming days on the new all-weather sports pitch at Ward River Valley Regional Park in Swords. The new third generation synthetic all-weather pitch will be a full sized GAA & Soccer pitch, similar to the facility at Bremore Regional Park in Balbriggan. The new floodlight facility will be accompanied by car, coach and bicycle parking to service the needs of the pitch users and to improve access to the park.The first phase of works will see contractors carrying out limited removal of some screen tree planting (as indicated on the accompanying plan) to facilitate works and create space for the pitch. Following consultation with the public, care was taken with the layout of the pitch to ensure that the landmark mature tree on site could be retained. Approximately 330m2 of screen planting will be removed and the works will be completed by the end of February. To replace these trees, 1580m2 of new native woodland and 179m of hedgerow will be planted adjacent to the new facility. In addition, further planting associated with the proposed car park will take place as part of the overall project. The pitch construction works are scheduled to start later this year and will become a valuable sporting amenity for the people of Swords and wider area.