Corina Johnston Area Representative said; “I am delighted that the provision of a much needed Cultural, Arts and Youth facility was endorsed at our recent well attended public meeting held by Duncan Smith TD and I in Donabate. At the meeting we outlined that the Local Area Plan provides for 4000 homes with the population to exceed 20,000 in the next 10 years with no indoor community facility for the growing Cultural, Arts and Youth Groups. These groups have no permanent home to support their growing numbers and activities with no stage, inadequate parking facilities, no facility for permanent exhibitions or storage of equipment. “Johnston continued; “A number of Crosscare youth workers addressed the meeting and confirmed that they have no permanent home to provide the vital youth services needed in Donabate. According to Census 2022 31% of the Donabate population is under 19 years with 41% aged under 30. Given the huge youth population with an increase in anti-social behaviour it is imperative that a permanent youth facility is included in such a facility.” Johnston continued;” it was great to see so many people and especially our young people enthusiastically addressing the meeting in support of this multi-functional facility in Donabate. The Local Area Plan provides for a community facility on lands at Ballymastone, the provision of a community/cultural/exhibition and performing Arts centre for Donabate- Portrane and encourages the development of multi - functional community buildings.”

Johnston concluded;” it now appears that the people of the Donabate Peninsula will get the housing units but not the Purpose Built Cultural and Community facility. The meeting soundly rejected this proposition with a committee set up to commence a campaign for this facility. The first priority is to secure a site in the Ballymastone/ Corballis area. A Motion will be submitted to the next council meeting (hopefully a cross party one) on this issue. . A local authority site needs to be identified for this purpose before all the suitable land either secures planning permission or is built upon.”