Two new housing developments have been officially opened in Fingal, as Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Brian McDonagh welcomed Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien TD to Lusk to celebrate the delivery of new homes in the area.
Kilhedge Gardens is an age-friendly scheme providing 31 new single-story homes. The development – delivered through direct build by Tuath on land owned by Fingal County Council – consists of 18 two-bedroom and 13 one-bedroom homes, with an additional communal facility area for residents. The new homes were funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage via the Capital Assistance Scheme, a funding mechanism for the delivery of homes for priority groups such as older persons. The architects for the project were Walsh Associates and the main contractor was M.L Quinn Construction.
In 2010, Tuath delivered its first homes in partnership with Fingal County Council at Garristown, Northwest Fingal and has since delivered over 1000 homes in the County.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said: “It gives me great pleasure to see this top-notch development from Tuath being opened to help deliver much needed age-appropriate homes for older people in our community. This is a superb new build in the heart of Lusk and I wish the residents all the very best in their new homes.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O’Brien, who turned the sod on the development in February 2023 commented: ‘’Today’s launch of 31 safe and secure homes for older persons is most welcome here in Fingal. Kilhedge Gardens includes both a communal facility for residents and close proximity to Lusk town centre – this scheme lives up to the ambition of Housing for All by successfully delivering high-quality, well-located homes that prioritise not only the safety and comfort of older persons but also economic, social, and environmental sustainability.’’
Alongside the Kilhedge Gardens opening, the ribbon was also cut on a new social housing development in Monastery Court. This comprises five high-quality apartments with a communal landscaped courtyard and close to all local amenities. As part of its commitment to encourage sustainable construction and minimise environmental impact, this is Fingal’s first Passive House development. Passive House standards ensure these homes are low-energy, leading to reduced energy bills for residents whilst providing significant environmental advantages.
Michelle Lacey of Fingal Physiotherapy was delighted when she was told the clinic had been nominated for an Irish Enterprise Award.
Michelle tells us that following this she had to provide some lengthy paper work. Following assessment from a panel of judges it was announced that Fingal Physiotherapy won Physiotherapy Clinic of the year 2024 – County Dublin.
The Irish Enterprise Awards reported there were several factors that led to this achievement, including exceptional commitment to the highest standards in patient care by providing a huge selection of treatment and assessment serices and fast onward referral and links with local GPs or consultants when needed.
Michelle Lacey, the clinic’s founder has extensive experience and is highly-qualified, having studied a postgraduate professional diploma in Clinical Leadership, a MSc in Sports Medicine, BSc in Physiotherapy, BSc in Sports Science and she is awaiting her certification as a National Strength and Conditioning Coach. Her publications and presentation at the Faculty of Sports Medicine Conference demonstrates the clinic’s dedication to evidenced based practice. Of particular note, Fingal Physiotherapy has shown community commitment by supporting and sponsoring local sports teams and clubs and providing support at local charity events.
Fingal Physiotherapy was first established with Michelle Lacey offering services in the Fingal area in peoples’ homes while she continued to work in the Beacon Hospital Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine department in Sandyford. In September 2022 this grew to having a stable base inside Fingal Medical Centre, two days a week. Fingal Physiotherapy now operates full time and continues to grow.
“It’s so great to be here as part of Lusk s growing facilities base. We can’t wait for the next few years and what lies ahead,” Michelle said.
Our adult sections of the club have been very busy in recent times. Firstly, we are well into marathon training season and members from across all our adult groups have been busy with their long runs in preparation for the Dublin City Marathon on Sunday the 27th October. Having trained now up to and over 30km our marathoners are ready to taper off and enjoy the run up to the big day. Well done to each and every one of you!
We also have a new Couch to 5k group running on Tuesdays and Thursdays - these runners are already doing a fantastic job getting their kilometres up and it is clear they will cruise through to 5k in no time!
Our Advanced, Intermediate and Fit 4 life group have all been busy clocking up the kilometres around Donabate and Portrane - some of our members have also completed races recently such as the Frank Duffy 10 Mile and the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon. Amazing efforts as always to all!
Our peninsula might not be associated with Mountain Running, but some LSA athletes are really putting us on the map in that regard. Back in September Iveta Mc Donell and Eimear Caulfield represented Ireland in the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Spain. Closer to home, teenager Sinead Farrell won a Bronze medal as part of an Irish Under 20 team in the British and Irish Mountain Running Championships in Laragh, Co Wicklow.
Also in September LSA was very proud to have almost 30 athletes take part.
in a Dublin Athletics Cross Country League race held in Newbridge Park. Almost 1000 young athletes from all over Dublin participated in that event!
We are delighted to have new parent helpers and athletes at our busy Thursday night Juvenile sessions at the Portrane Hockey Club Astro pitch. We always welcome new members and volunteers. Please follow us on our social media channels for more information.
DP Crossroads submitted the petition on a multifunctional centre to FCC on 14th October 2024. Accepting the petition on behalf of the council was Mayor Brian McDonagh. DP collected over 2,000 signatures in support of their campaign for FCC to meet LAP objective 6.12 and provide a dedicated multifunctional center for the rapidly expanding population of Donabate Portrane.
Speaking at the event, Ann Hogan Chairperson of DP Crossroads said, “This center would be a base for the existing arts and cultural groups who have no performance, rehearsal or meeting space and for our youth population who have no dedicated youth space.”
The response to DP Crossroads to date by the Council has been disappointing as Ann continued, “The proposed relocation of the library and small extension is short term thinking – it is not good value for money and cannot provide the facilities required by existing residents never mind our future large population. A strategic and long-term solution is for the council to provide a site and funding for a dedicated cultural and youth groups in Donabate Portrane as part of their capital expenditure program and in liaison with housing developers on the peninsula”.
The group receives cross-party support from many Councillors and is looking forward to working with the council to achieve their objective.
As we enter the winter months, most of the work on Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed’s plots at Turvey Allotments is winding down, apart from planting a crop of winter onions. Despite this, we have a busy schedule ahead.
Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed will be hosting an event for Fingal Inclusion Week, involving all of the Men’s Sheds in Fingal, at 11am on Wednesday 13th November in Donabate Portrane Community Centre. This fun day is sponsored by Fingal County Council. There will be gentle exercise, suitable for the age of the expected participants, an inspiration speaker, light refreshments and entertainment provided by Gerry and the Plonkers, the Men’s Shed music group. Men who are not members of a Men’s Shed are welcome to join us. See the poster.
That day will be a busy one for Gerry and the Plonkers, with the group continuing their series of free concerts in Donabate Parish Hall at 12 noon. All adults are welcome and light refreshments will be served. The other dates for these concerts are 4th December, 27th January, 10th February and 10th March, all on Wednesdays at 12 noon until 2pm.
Our annual Christmas dinner is planned for Keeling’s on Friday 6th December. We expect to have the usual singsong led by Gerry and the Plonkers.
As reported last month, a group of members visited the National Ploughing Championships and we have at least one photo to prove it; the rest aren’t for publication, we told!
All of this and our usual weekly activities - exercise classes, croquet, band practice and our Thursday morning get-together for tea or coffee and a chat. If you, or someone you know would like to join us, please call or text Jim, our PRO, on 086-3694316.
Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society is delighted to announce the upcoming performances of the comedy “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney from the 28th to the 30th of November 2024 (with two performances on the Saturday) in Donabate Parish Hall.
“Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney, directed by Lisa Buckley, is the story of Greg who brings home a sassy female dog he found in the park—or that has found him—bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag.
While on the one side Sylvia offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age, on the other hand she becomes a major bone of contention between him and his wife Kate who is completely immune to Sylvia’s charms.
“Sylvia” is a smart, frisky, and occasionally salty comedy about relationships, growing older and life changes.
On stage we have a combination of familiar faces and new talent, while behind the scenes the production team are working hard to bring the play to the stage.
Performances will be on in Donabate Parish Hall on the following dates and times: Thursday 28th November at 19:30, Friday 29th November at 19:30, Saturday 30th November matinée at 14:30 and Saturday 30th November at 19:30.
Tickets cost €12 per person and can be purchased online on ticketsource.eu or at the door.
Donabate Dramatic Society is also extending an invitation to all people in the community become a patron of the society and support the local arts. The annual fee for patronage is €60 per person and it includes two tickets for to their biannual productions along with light refreshments.
If you want to become a member or a patron of DPDS do not hesitate to contact donabateportrane.drama@gmail.com. And don’t forget to follow Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society on Facebook and Instagram!
Hello! My name is Anna, and I recently moved to Donabate. I care about activities that bring the community together and ensure inclusivity for everyone. As a wheelchair user, I am particularly conscious of the need for accessible infrastructure and activities that allow all community members to participate fully.
I am enrolled in a PLC course in social care and got a distinction in 5 modules last year and I’d love to find any other work experience or voluntary opportunities within the community.
Although I don’t currently play any sports, I used to, and have had the opportunity to try sports like wheelchair basketball. I’d love to get involved in disability-inclusive sports such as Boccia. I am involved in voluntary work down in Malahide Castle at the junior parkrun, a sports event involving kids of all ages and I love going down on a Sunday to help out. Thanks for reading
A picture paints a thousand words they say. See the newly refurbished kitchenette in the Parish Hall in the photographs. Thanks to the Parish Hall Committee with some support from FCC, this has been possible. It has a fridge and dishwasher but most importantly a new Burco boiler with instant hot water for tea and coffee.
It is hoped after Christmas, in the first week or two of January, to repair and revarnish the Main Hall floor to keep it in tip-top condition.
The Parish Hall serves a number of daily activities but take note of some of the special events programmed into their calendar.
Soon the Through the Lens Photography Group will hold their annual Exhibition; then the Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society will have their play on - both not to be missed!
Gerry and the Plonkers will perform in the Parish Hall from 12-2pm on Wednesday 13th November for the adults on the Peninsula, especially older adults. This is a FREE gig and all adults are welcome. Refreshments are provided for all!
Part of the activities the Parish Hall offers is now a Music Makers Club for Donabate and Portrane; this is led by Noel Dowling ably assisted by Sean Collins, with a small support team.
Music Makers is a local music club for anyone aged 18 and over, living locally. In collaboration with the Parish Hall. Music Makers is a blend between an open mic and a music club.
The Music Makers Club will meet once a month, starting Friday, 18th October 2024 at 7.45pm. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a singer / songwriter or just love music, everyone is welcome! If you’re interested, please email musicmakersph@gmail.com -
Music Makers Club Donabate & Portrane
For any further information re the Parish Hall - please ring the Parish Office on 01 8434574
We’re excited to announce that the Winter Fete is back at Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School! Join us on Sunday, November 24th, from 12 PM to 4 PM for a fun-filled day that the whole family will enjoy!
For just €2 per adult, you can experience a vibrant atmosphere featuring delicious food, local crafts, and a wide range of activities. Children and senior citizens can enter for free!
This beloved annual event is our largest fundraising initiative, and we’ll have a fantastic selection of preloved games, toys, books, and clothes available for purchase.
Don’t miss the chance to engage in friendly competition in our game room, pamper yourself in our beauty room with face painting and hair braids, or enjoy live music performances throughout the day!
There’ll also be an exciting raffle with incredible prizes, including vouchers, hampers, and gift baskets. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event and at SuperValu on November 9th and 10th, with the draw taking place on the day of the event.
We look forward to welcoming everyone for a day of fun and community spirit.
Members of the Ukrainian community in Donabate have organised to host a special free concert on 17th November in St Patrick’s Church to thank the local people for everything they have done for Ukraine.
The Kobzar Armada was formed the morning of February 24th, when Russia began its large-scale invasion and bombing of Ukraine. The group is composed of the traditional Ukrainan bards, or kobzars, who were executed in 1933 during the Ukrainian genocide by starvation.
The program is in English and Ukrainian, and geared toward sharing Ukrainian culture and cause to local English speakers. This is the Kobzar Armada’s mission.
“So far we have conducted around 500 concerts on the Eastern front, playing for military camps, schools, hospitals, and refugee camps, but also worldwide, using cultural diplomacy, specifically to the countries who are helping Ukraine the most. Help us spread the truth about Ukraine! Help us end the slaughter of innocent Ukrainian lives! Glory to Ukraine and the truly Free World! Thank You!”
Donations are graciously accepted through Paypal, to jurij_fedynskyj@hotmail.com.