Fingal Arts Office has officially launched the Creative Places Balbriggan Strategy 2026-2027, together with a brand new funding scheme for Balbriggan called “Making Waves”.
Creative Places Balbriggan is an Arts Council funded project which aims to make the arts more accessible within the community through increased engagement in socially engaged, community-led creative activities. The Making Waves seed funding scheme will support community groups to work with artists to start developing artistic skills and to participate in creative activities through collaboration.
The new strategy focuses on three main pillars of work in the Balbriggan community: Creative Youth, Creative Industry and Climate Action.
Speaking at the launch of the strategy at The Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’ Leary said “I am delighted to launch the Creative Places Balbriggan Strategy 2026-27. Balbriggan has a vibrant and burgeoning arts scene, as we can see from this magnificent venue, The Lark. With the two-year strategy in place, the stage is now set for more creative opportunities for the local community through the Making Waves Seed Funding scheme. I am particularly glad to see Creative Youth as the main pillar of the work going forward, given Balbriggan is the youngest large town in Ireland with approximately one third of its 24,0000 population under the age of 18. Many of these young people will have the opportunity to develop their creative skills and interests through the Creative Places Balbriggan Project.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said “I greatly welcome the new Creative Places Balbriggan Strategy 2026-2027 and the Making Waves Seed Funding scheme. Together with the updated Arts Office plan, new public arts projects in Balbriggan, and the planned studio places at 2-4 Dublin Street. I look forward to seeing Balbriggan develop as a major hub for the arts and creativity in Fingal. The strategic pillars of Creative Youth and Creative Industry align with Our Balbriggan strategy pillars in community development and economic development. The creative focus on Climate Action as a pillar will also be greatly complimented by Balbriggan being the designated Decarbonising Zone in Fingal. The Making Waves Fund will seed fund opportunities within the community to get them creatively involved in these developments.”
The Making Waves Seed Funding Scheme 2026 will provide seed funding for creative programmes that involve community members working collaboratively with an artist to develop new ideas and creative activities. The fund is now open to individual artists, community groups, and community organisations based in Balbriggan. It is also open to any artists outside Balbriggan who are willing to work with a group from the Balbriggan community.
Funding of up to €5,000 per applicant is available. Application will be open from Tuesday, 5 May until Friday, 26 June.
Interested applicants can contact Creative Places Balbriggan coordinator Cormac McDonagh for further information on 087 7141691 or cormac.mcdonagh@fingal.ie
For more information, please read the funding guidelines and strategy here: https://www.fingal.ie/creative-places-balbriggan
The below might seem simple to you and me, but sometimes people forget their common courtesy. As Tom O’Neill recently continued the celebrations of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind turning 50, here are some top tips when meeting people who are blind/visually impaired:
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
