Plans are on track for the new €11million public swimming pool to be built by Fingal County Council at Castlelands, Balbriggan.
A provision of €11million has been allocated to the project over the three year period of the Council’s 2025-2027 Capital Programme.
The new facility will incorporate a changing village, reception area and a viewing gallery.
It will be located south of the area’s Link Road, directly opposite the site of a proposed new school.
An integrated design team led by UK-based company ReCreation has developed preliminary plans.
The provision of a public swimming pool was a key ask of the survey by Balbriggan.ie in 2019, aimed at shaping an order of priorities to transform the town.
The findings subsequently shaped Fingal County Council’s ongoing €54-57million Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme.
In 2024, a study which reached out to local teens also highlighted the need for a public swimming pool in Balbriggan.
Dr David Begg, Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, which oversees Fingal County Council’s Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme, warmly welcomed the announcement.
He said the swimming pool would have a profound and positive social impact on Balbriggan.
“As we know, Balbriggan is home to one of the youngest, fastest growing and most diverse populations in Ireland.
“There is an unmatched determination across the community of Balbriggan to build a bright future for the area and this initiative will assist in doing just that.
“This project is a symbol of the progress being made in Balbriggan - informed and shaped by the community - and which will provide a well-designed public facility for people to not only enjoy, but feel proud of.”
Local Enterprise Office Fingal has announced that this year’s Junior, Intermediate and Senior Category Winners will represent the county at the National Student Enterprise Finals in Mullingar this May. The announcement follows a vibrant and competitive County Final held on 19th March at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, where over 1,300 students from 21 schools showcased exceptional entrepreneurial talent through innovative products, strong branding and confident pitches, reflecting months of teamwork, creativity and resilience.
In the Junior Category, the students representing Fingal at the National Final are Sam Patton and Andrew Low from Sutton Park School, with their project Powerblocker.
In the Intermediate Category, Juliane Amelia O’Neill from Loreto Balbriggan, will showcase her enterprise, Tiny Terrariums, which focuses on Horticulture.
In the Senior Category, Daniel Strautnice, Jack Atkinson, and Jedd Umeh from Coolmine Community School secured their place with Micro Forge 3D, an innovative business centred on 3D Printing.
The winning teams will now compete against student businesses from across Ireland, presenting their ventures to a panel of judges and vying for national recognition.
A range of special awards were also presented, recognising excellence across key enterprise areas. These included the Best Display Award, Sustainability Award, Social Media Award and Innovation Award, each honouring students who excelled in creativity, communication, design and forward‑thinking business development.
The Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year Award was presented to Teacher Liz Byrne, Hartstown Community School, acknowledging outstanding commitment to enterprise education. The Enterprising School Spirit Award was awarded to Luttrellstown Community College, recognising the strong culture of creativity, teamwork and ambition fostered within the school community.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, praised the contribution and professionalism of all participating students: “The creativity and drive on display here today are outstanding. You have taken ideas from concept to reality, worked collaboratively, overcome challenges and stood confidently behind your businesses. The skills you have developed will serve you well long into the future.”
Last month Fingal County Council launched a new destination tourism brand: Explore Fingal. As part of the rollout of Explore Fingal a Roadshow visited seven venues around the county, meeting with community tourism groups to discuss the new brand. Between Monday 2nd and Thursday 5th March the Roadshow visited: Balbriggan, Skerries, Lusk, Howth, Malahide, Rush and Blanchardstown.
Explore Fingal has its own websites and social media platforms. It is a key milestone in the implementation of the Fingal Tourism Strategy 2024-2029 and includes a full programme of marketing and development initiatives that will support Fingal’s tourism growth.
All tourism businesses and organisations in Fingal are encouraged to go onto the website (www.explorefingal.ie) and connect through the Trade link at the bottom.
For over 30 years, artist and broadcaster Tina Mation has been inspiring children to discover the joy of drawing and creativity. Many families across North Dublin and Meath know Tina not only from her long-running television art programmes, but also from the art classes and summer camps she has been running for generations of young artists.
Tina held her very first children’s art classes in Swords more than three decades ago. What began as a small local class quickly grew as children discovered how easy and fun it was to draw using Tina’s unique step-by-step teaching method. Tina believes that every child can draw and create, in most cases, they just need to be shown not only how to draw, but more importantly, that they can draw. Over the years, she has taught thousands of children in person and as the presenter of the longest-running television art series in the world by the same presenter, she has shown millions of children and adults just how easy it is to bring drawings to life.
Working directly with children in local communities remains one of the most rewarding parts of her career, alongside her work on RTÉ television and the publication of over 60 drawing and animation books.
Each summer Tina runs her much-loved Big Box Summer Art Camps, packed with drawing, painting, constructing miniature theatres, making games, designing T-shirts and many other creative projects. This July, the camps will take place in Lusk, Swords and Ashbourne, welcoming young artists for fivedays of hands-on creativity. Each child receives their own Big Box, which transforms during the camp into a collection of complete artworks and activities they can proudly bring home.
After more than 30 years teaching her unique method, Tina continues to inspire a new generation of children to pick up a pencil, use their imagination and discover that, with a little guidance, they can create their own magic. As Tina says “Learn to draw… Create for life!”
For more information visit: tinamation.net
Members from the Fingal Volunteer Centre were honoured to attend the cheque presentation from the wonderful volunteers at Malahide Lions Club to the Skerries Youth Support Services team. Through their incredible fundraising efforts, Malahide Lions Club generously donated €1,500 to support this important work.
Skerries Youth Support Service is a volunteer-led organisation providing free counselling for young people aged 12–24, offering vital support to those who need it most.
“Our Volunteer Centre is all about connecting the community, and moments like this remind us why it matters. When we first met with the Lions Club, we shared the fantastic work that Michael and Dave are doing in the community. That conversation led to an introduction to SYSS — and ultimately to this generous support. This is community connection in action: volunteers supporting volunteers to make a real difference for young people in our area. Thank you to Malahide Lions Club for your generosity and commitment to helping local youth thrive,” the group stated.
Francis (Frank) Lawless (1870-1922) TD and patriot, came from an illustrious nationalistic farming family from Saucerstown, Swords. The Lawless family would have been seen as ‘strong’ farmers in the Swords area. The Lawlesses were involved in every local Irish organisation including the Gaelic League, the GAA and Feiseanna.
Frank Lawless, like many of his family, was a fine singer and performer. He was elected president of Fingallians in 1902 having played himself for their team. He was a senior officer in the Fingal Volunteers, playing a pivotal role in the 1916 rising. He was elected a Sinn Fein TD 1919-1922 and was pro-Treaty.
Frank Lawless was tragically killed, aged 51, in an accident involving a horse - drawn cart. His funeral saw both Eamonn de Valera and Michael Collins both in attendance, united in their grief.
Mp2911198@gmail.com.
Fingal County Council has marked the commencement of works on the Seatown Road to Estuary Road Active Travel Scheme with a sod turning event attended by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly and Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel & Sport, David Storey. The project will deliver a range of improvements designed to enhance safety, accessibility and the overall travel experience for people moving along this route.
John Cradock Ltd has been appointed as the contractor for the scheme, with works having commenced recently and estimated to take approximately 12 months to complete. Upgrades include new cycle lanes on both sides of the road and the widening of the footpath under the bridge to improve pedestrian safety. The project also includes upgrading the roundabouts at Swords Business Campus and Estuary Road to designs that better accommodate cyclists, consisting of two cycle-friendly roundabouts with safe pedestrian crossings at all exits to protect vulnerable road users. These improvements will create more convenient and accessible travel options for people walking, cycling and wheeling, whether travelling to school, sport, shops or work.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, stated: “I am delighted to see works begin on this project which will make everyday journeys safer and more enjoyable for people living, working and visiting the area. By improving footpaths, enhancing cycling facilities and calming traffic, we are creating a road environment that better supports families, schoolchildren and our most vulnerable road users.”
David Storey, Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel & Sport at Fingal County Council, said: “The commencement of works on the Seatown Road to Estuary Road Active Travel Scheme is an important step in strengthening the sustainable transport network in this part of the county. It advances the wider active travel link between Swords and Malahide, creating a more connected corridor that will serve the community well into the future.”
Aer Lingus Lawn Bowls Club is a vibrant, friendly club located in the ALSAA sports complex K67YV06.
We have recently acquired a new synthetic Greengauge mat. This has enhanced our club immensely and we now possess one of the best bowling greens in the country.
In 2025 we were winners of an ILB Vets team. We also had finalists in the ILB doubles and triples championship competitions. We cater for men and women and we play in a mixed league.
If you are interested in joining our club, we offer coaching sessions, social and league games. We participate in ILB winter and summer leagues as well as internal club competitions.
We will have an open day in late March, date to be confirmed.
If you would like to have a trial session, please contact us on aerlinguslawnbowlsclub@hotmail.com. Sandra McCarthy on 086-813114540
Do you have a big day on the horizon? A wedding speech, an important job interview, or a high-stakes presentation? For many of us, the thought of addressing an audience can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right support and practice, you can transform fear into confidence.
That’s where Toastmasters International comes in. At Swords Toastmasters, we provide a supportive, structured environment where members develop the skills and self-belief to communicate with clarity and confidence. Guests are always welcome to attend for an obligation-free visit. One member who took that first step is Louise Duffy.
Louise said “After I got promoted, I quickly felt the dread of having to deliver presentations to senior management and speak in front of large audiences. I began researching ways to improve my skills and found Swords Toastmasters. From the very first meeting, the group was welcoming and encouraging. They provide a friendly, non-judgemental environment where you can become comfortable addressing a crowd. Everyone genuinely wants you to succeed, while also offering constructive feedback to help you grow. I’m pleased to say I now have no problem addressing an audience — whether delivering a speech or presenting. In fact, I don’t give it a second thought anymore. That transformation wouldn’t have been possible without Swords Toastmasters.”
Louise’s experience is a reminder that confident communication is not something you are simply born with — it is a skill that can be learned, practised, and mastered. If you’re ready to conquer your fear and unlock your potential, why not come along and see what’s possible?
Contact swordstm@gmail.com today to arrange your complimentary visit.
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 Louise 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 meet Every 2nd Monday from 8pm – 10pm at Forrest Little Golf Club, Forrest Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 K825. For more information, email swordstm@gmail.com or contact the membership officer on 086 8538048.
Rush Community Council is delighted to announce that our annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17 March at 1pm.
The theme this year is Pirates, Myths and Legends of Rush!!
Mark your calendars and come out to celebrate our fantastic community with a day full of colour, music, and local pride!
If you are interested in being part of the parade, please either pop into Rush Community Centre or email info@rushcoco.ie for more information and the application form, the closing date for applications is Monday 9 March.
Call for Parade Marshals
We’re currently looking for volunteer marshals to help make the day run smoothly and safely. If you can spare a couple of hours to support this wonderful community event, we’d love to hear from you.
Marshals play a key role in:
