Many parents cannot access childcare facilities in Donabate. In many cases, families are on waiting lists of up to 12 months or longer. More capacity is needed. Parents should not have to travel significant distances to find a creche or afterschool facility for their child. Childcare costs are a significant financial commitment for families. I’ve met parents in Donabate and Portrane that are paying significantly more in childcare costs than in other parts of the country. While recent investment in Core Funding (paid directly to childcare providers) and the increase in the National Childcare Scheme subsidy rate is welcome, fees remain far too high. From speaking with childcare providers in Fingal, it is clear that there is a recruitment and retention crisis in this sector. Many owners say the struggle to find staff has impacted on the quality of service they can provide. Recent surveys published show that childcare staff are actively looking to change careers, citing low pay (and having to work unpaid overtime). What I’ve done so far to help parents in Donabate:

I have written to Fingal County Council requesting that they provide a full list of vacant sites that are earmarked as locations for childcare facilities. Many developments in Fingal were approved on the basis that creches would be built (and in operation) as part of these developments.

I have advocated on behalf of residents, and made representations to Oireachtas members, proposing that changes are made to planning rules to address these shortages of childcare facilities. I also support direct government intervention, whereby the State steps in to build and operate creches.I am holding a public meeting in Lusk community cottage on Wednesday the 10th of April at 7pm to discuss the lack of childcare options for parents in north county Dublin.

I want to demonstrate to policy makers that there is a crisis in the provision of childcare facilities in Fingal. If you live in Donabate and are affected by this issue, please contact me (eoghandockrellfg@gmail.com) about your experience.

To kick-off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, CCÉ Leithinis members performed in SuperValu in Donabate on Sunday 10th March and we also had our St. Patrick’s themed Irish music slow session for Leithinis members, led by Erin, in Donabate Parish Hall on Friday 8th March. Due to tremendous interest, both from musicians and listeners, the regular Trad Session for experienced musicians will now take place twice per month, on the first and third Tuesdays in the Brook Pub in Portrane. The most recent session on the 5th March was a great success with more than 15 musicians participating. Our Spring term of classes in Traditional Irish Music continues for adults and children (7+) in Banjo, Bodhrán, Button Accordion, Concertina, Fiddle, Mandolin, Flute and Tin Whistle in Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School.

Paul Mulville, Fingal Social Democrats Councillor, has called on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to sanction the extension of the public sewage mains to Corballis / Balcarrick, and along Turvey Avenue, on the Donabate Portrane peninsula. Cllr. Mulville stated, “Recently Uisce Éireann came before Council members to provide an update on their investment plans for the Dublin Region, and to take questions from Councillors. I again raised the need for the public sewage mains to be extended to Corballis / Balcarrick, and along Turvey Avenue (towards old Turvey Cottages / Tesco Distribution Centre end). However, for this to happen, Irish Water has confirmed that the Minister needs to approve the inclusion of such a local scheme as part of the multi-annual water programme, and to allocate funding for it. Local residents in Balcarrick / Corballis and along towards the end of Turvey Avenue area have, for many years, expressed a strong desire to be allowed connect onto the public sewage network, a basic standard which many of us take for granted. Ireland has obligations under EU directives to ensure that the disposal of human waste does not have a harmful impact on the environment. As such, it is important that people living in close proximity to public sewage infrastructure should be allowed move away from septic tanks and connect to the mains if they wish to. “This is of particular importance for the Corballis / Balcarrick area, which contains many golf clubs and caravan parks, as well as many residential homes, and in which Donabate beach is located, one of the most popular beaches in Dublin, and also a designated Natura 2000 international site. There are also many homes along Turvey Avenue, as well industrial and business facilities, including the Tesco Distribution Centre, in close proximity to the Rogerstown Estuary and streams which flow into it, and all these residences and facilities need to be allowed onto the public sewage mains to protect Donabate’s natural environment For example, the Tesco Distribution Centre, the largest building in the country by volume, the 11th largest by volume in the world, is not serviced by public sewer. Instead, wastewater generated on site is addressed via an onsite wastewater treatment system, regulated by a trade effluent discharge licence. The Minister needs to step up here for the sake of the natural environment and for the people of Corballis/ Balcarrick and Turvey.”

Acquiring a life-changing brain injury at 28 was not on Sinéad Lucey Brennan’s radar until one day in 2016 “the rug was pulled from under her feet”. Sinéad was unaware she had an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) until she experienced a haemorrhagic stroke. After surgery, she spent 3 weeks in ICU and on discharge realised that services were minimal for neurorehabilitation. She credits her partner, family, friends, healthcare professionals and Headway Ireland for supporting her physical and emotional recovery. Managing people’s expectations during her acute phase of recovery was tough. “I was told I would have no short-term memory for 12 months which was correct and a pen and pad to write things down were essential. It did return but that acute period was tough”. She felt she couldn’t tell people at work about her disability initially. “I was anxious about the impact on my working potential. I tried hard to figure out how to share my story and I didn’t know how to articulate what I’d been through. I masked for too long and this led to burnout. “The office environment had sensory challenges and I educated my HR team to help with the office set up and was accommodated with remote work too.” She worked with Headway Ireland to help routine, planning, organising, and rebuilding her life. Nearly 8 years on, she is a mother to a baby daughter which she “couldn’t have imagined” during her experience. She is running in the local elections for Fianna Fáil in Balbriggan to amplify the lived experience of disabled people. “It’s both the small and the significant issues. It’s access to amenities, public buildings and areas, footpaths and lighting that don’t work for disabled people and with some consultation, they would. It’s the lack of school places and general services for disabled children and adults that spurred me to run. Through her work as a disability advocate, she backed the Neurological Alliance of Ireland’s Brain Awareness Week campaign this month.”

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels will be holding a Table Quiz on Thursday 9th May upstairs in the Milestone Inn. Get your teams together and save the date! More details will be posted on our Facebook page nearer the date or contact us by calling 01 8416743 or emailing mealsonwheelsbalbriggan@gmail.com Balbriggan Meals on Wheels has been providing meals to the most vulnerable members of our community since 1975 and was awarded the Community Heros of the Year at the 2023 Balbriggan Town Awards.

Warm and heartfelt tributes have been paid to the work of Professor Brian MacCraith following his stepping down as Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group. Professor MacCraith has overseen the work of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme since its inception in 2018. As Chairperson of the Balbriggan Leadership Group, Professor MacCraith oversaw the inception and development of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme. Having worked tirelessly on the project for more than five years, Professor MacCraith announced his departure from the role to coincide with the current mid-project review stage. His replacement will be announced shortly, along with details around renewal of the project. The ambitious vision contained in the programme was the result of an historic community engagement which saw more than 25% of residents outline their preferences for the future of the town. The project is transforming Ireland’s youngest town and Professor MacCraith steered substantial progress across a range of objectives. “The €50million Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme has made and will continue to make huge progress on key infrastructure and social projects central to this massive initiative,” said Professor MacCraith. The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, thanked Professor McCraith for the leadership he has brought to the Balbriggan project. “He was the right man in the right place at the right time and has brought all his experience to bear in leading the Balbriggan Rejuvenation Project to the mid-project review point.” The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, paid tribute, saying it had been a pleasure to work alongside Professor MacCraith. “Brian’s work has had, and will continue to have, a very positive impact on Balbriggan. I warmly thank him for his endeavours,” she said. “There has been huge progress to date, and I look forward to further outcomes which will have an incredibly positive impact. “The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme will benefit the people of the town, ensuring a great place to live, work visit and do business. ”The Our Balbriggan renewal, which is currently being finalised, will include the restructuring the various local pillar groups which input to and support the overall project

Cllr Tom OLeary said recently, “ I welcome the confirmation that Fingal Council has lodged a planning application to An Bord Pleanála to remediate and upgrade the pier at Skerries Harbour. Fishers and sailors use both Balbriggan and Skerries harbours.” (Fishers is the new term for Fishermen and Fisherwomen) It is hoped that a positive decision will emerge in 6 Months. Then, Foreshore licences/leases are also required from the Dept of Agriculture Food & Marine and these typically can take up to 2 years from the date of application. Construction work should commence in 2026 after a tender process is completed. Local Skerries Cllr Tom O’Leary said, ” It’s very important for the Fishers at Skerries Harbour that facilities are improved for them to enable them to operate efficiently in a very tough business. So, Fishers require a crane to haul the fish boxes from the boats, to be installed at the harbour, dedicated parking for Fishers, water and electricity services and new storage containers or sheds. We also need to cater for the very popular busy pleasure sailing groups and in particular look at installing a suitable pontoon for safe access to and from boats of all sizes,” said Cllr Tom O’Leary. The Plans are availabe to view at Skerries Library from 5th March to 16th April 2024 .Online at www.fingal.ie/news

The Senior Men’s team named ‘Dragunz’ have just completed their 1st year in the Dublin Men’s Basketball League in the 6th Division. Currently sitting at 3rd on the table with a possible drop out of the top 4 positions, which depends on remaining games from other teams. The season started at the end of September 2023 and ends at the start of May2024, Through this time the team succeeded to win half (9/9) of their scheduled games inthe league. Scheduled games are usually on Friday nights in Bremore ETNS, Balbriggan.The senior team is multi-national, with a core membership from within the Balbriggan community. Our club members who come from other areas include, Skerries, Rush, Lusk, Drogheda and Dunleer. Congratulations to the Senior Men’s Team of the Balbriggan Basketball ‘Dragunz’ for completing their 1st year as a topflight Basketball team. A huge round of applause and appreciation to the coaching staff, volunteers, parents and members who assisted, supported and participated in the sporting activities through the season. Balbriggan Basketball operates a Youth Academy that trains young people to participate in the sport of Basketball. The goals are; knowing how to play the sport, team building exercises, active participation in sports, and a fun place to make new friends. The inclusive club caters to anybody (Boys & Girls) interested in taking part in the sport and ages start from 6 to 15 years old for our junior members, and trainings are either on a Wednesday evening or Sunday morning. Proposed League Teams for 2024/2025 season -Senior Men (16years and above) Dragunz - Senior Women (16years and above) Phoenix Flames - U16 Boys team (from 12-15years) Falcons. We require more members, coaches, referees, volunteers, and community support to fulfil the aspirations of this admirable club. Testimonial Brandon Lengenhager - “I feel like we played well this year, there is room for improvement, just like everything in life. I cannot wait to get in the gym, and I know we will be better next year to get the top spot for sure.”

Councillor Brendan Ryan has been selected to contest the Local elections in June for the Labour Party in the Balbriggan Local Electoral Area. Members of the Balbriggan and Skerries branches, as well as family members and other supporters, gathered in Balbriggan, on the 22 nd February, to finalize the selection process. The meeting was chaired by the National Organiser, Aideen Blackwood, and Duncan Smith TD and Councillor Rob O’Donoghue were also in attendance. In his speech on the night Ryan stated that once he accepted the nomination for co-option to replace Cllr. Seana O’Rodaigh in May last year, it was always his intention to contest the Local Elections in 2024. He also stated that he has no regrets about his decision to get back into a more formal role on the political scene again. “I have really enjoyed being a Councillor since June of last year” he said. “Many people are surprised when I tell them that I had never previously been a Councillor, and that I had taken a different route into politics, starting in the Seanad and then being elected to the Dail on two occasions” he added. “My clinics in Balbriggan and Skerries, which I love doing so much, are up and running and going well every Saturday morning. The people in Balbriggan seem to like the idea of having somewhere to drop in without having to make an appointment, and I will continue to provide that service” he said. Ryan thanked the members and friends for turning out in such numbers and looked forward to the work ahead.

The Balbriggan/North County Dublin Perpetual Trophy was given out this year to a very special recipient! To give a little bit of background if you are not aware, the award began due to one couple Ned and Máire Maguire from Dolahesy just outside of Balbriggan. The couple were great for our branch on the Facebook of the 80’s/90’s as they informed people as to what a guide dog is and what a guide dog does, they took part in sponsored walks and went door to door fundraising for our branch, to name a few of their amazing contributions. When Ned passed away, our branch sourced a trophy to represent a litter of puppies with their mother and each year, the trophy is given to a person or business that has done something that stands out to our Branch during the year. The latest recipient of the Perpetual Trophy was Patrick Baxter (Hucky) of Baxter’s Butchers, Clonard Street, Balbriggan who has volunteered at church gate collections, pub rambles and sells an amazing amount of our Christmas Cards and Calendars every year in his butcher shop on Clonard Street. A huge congratulations to Patrick and thank you for all that you do. Everyone will know that the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs has a Facebook page. However, you may be unaware and interested to know that we also have an Instagram and Twitter (recently rebranded as X) page. Instagram is a free photo and video sharing app where the branch regularly posts photos and videos of events and upcoming fundraisers. If you would like to follow us or have a look at our Instagram page, you can find us with the handle @balbrigganbranchguide. Twitter/X is a free social networking site where users can broadcast short posts known as tweets and repost to share other people’s tweets. These tweets contain text, photos, videos, or links which we also frequently update with the latest Branch information. If you would like to follow our page on Twitter/X you can find us with the handle @BranchGuide. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please feel free to contact us: Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, by phone/text: 085 7663107, email: guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com or you can find us on Facebook: Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.