Fingal News
ROCKIN’ IN MALAHIDE!
Issue No 09 August 2019
INSIDE
Urban Market at St Catherine’s Park- Page 3
Flavours of Fingal is a runaway success- Page 8
Fingal Parks claim Green Flag awards - Page 13
Mayor’s Message
I
Chief Executive’s Message
t has been a successful
T
his summer has been
summer for Fingal over
another busy one for Fingal
the past few months. We had a hugely popular Fla-
County Council with the likes of
vours of Fingal this year in
Flavours of Fingal, the Malahide
June with 85,000 people
concerts, Swords Summer
attending the event over
Festival, and many other events
two days.
taking place in the county.
It was a wonderful show-
Flavours of Fingal took place
case of the best of what
at the end of June and it was a
Fingal has to offer when
resounding success. This would
it comes to farming and
not have happened without all of
food production and the response to the event was hugely pos-
the incredible work that Fingal staff, and our many partners, did before
itive. I would like to say well done to everyone who contributed
and during the weekend of the event.
to Flavours of Fingal in Newbridge House this year; I am already looking forward to next year.
The Baldoyle to Portmarnock Greenway, which is now under construction, is in keeping with our commitment to climate action,
We received great news in July when five of Fingal’s parks were
this scheme will provide a valuable addition to travel infrastructure
awarded internationally recognised Green Flag Awards. This is
for pedestrians and cyclists. The route has been designed to take into
a quality mark for well managed public parks and open spaces
account the coastal setting so visitors and residents alike can enjoy
and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the
Fingal’s incredible coastline and natural landscape.
Council staff that ensures that the Parks continue to be wonderful amenities for everyone who lives and visits the County.
The news that five of Fingal’s parks have received the Green Flag Award reflects the considerable energy and work across a number of
I attended various local festivals across the county this summer
departments within the Council to ensure our parks are maintained to
and I would like to thank the Events and Operations teams of
the highest standards. We are justifiably proud of all of our parks and
Fingal County Council and all the local community groups who
open spaces across Fingal, and we will continue to ensure that they are
were involved in putting together these wonderful events. I
places for people to enjoy.
would also like to thank the staff of the Howth-Malahide Operations teams of Fingal County Council who managed seven con-
Fingal County Council plans to carry out a multi-million euro investment
certs at Malahide Castle & Demesne. They were a great success
in regional roads across Fingal which will see significant improvements
and enjoyed by everyone who attended.
for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians as we look to improve connectivity between our towns and villages.
It was also great to see that construction began on the Baldoyle to Portmarnock walking and cycling greenway in July. The pro-
I was delighted to attend the Fingal Enterprise Womens Network’s
posed 1.8km greenway is located in the Racecourse Park and will
Summer BBQ this summer, which provides an opportunity for women in
provide another great amenity for cyclists and pedestrians to
business to network and learn from one another.
travel through the park. The route was designed taking specific account of the coastal setting and ecology of the area to provide
The Our Balbriggan public engagement campaign was named as the
a continuous pedestrian link between Baldoyle and Portmar-
Best Public Sector Campaign at the Excellence in Public Relations
nock.
Awards in June. We are now in the process of implementing the Our Balbriggan Strategy and will be shortly opening a dedicated office in
Looking ahead for the rest of 2019, the council will resume its
town.
meetings in September which will see a busy programme of work being brought forward as we strive to deliver for the peo-
I hope you enjoy reading this latest edition of Fingal News and if you
ple we represent to ensure that Fingal continues to be the place
have any suggestions or feedback on the magazine then please email
to live, work, visit and do business.
them to fingalnews@fingal.ie
Cllr Eoghan O’Brien
AnnMarie Farrelly
Mayor of Fingal
Chief Executive
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
NEW URBAN FOOD & CRAFT MARKET LAUNCHED IN ST. CATHERINE’S PARK A sterling addition to Dublin 15 was unveiled at the official launch of the Urban Food and Craft Market at St. Catherine’s Park, Lucan. The Market features a wide variety of stalls selling an assortment of food offerings every Sunday from 10am to 5pm until October. Acting Mayor Cllr Howard Mahony emphasised that the venture is being supported by Fingal County Council to further enhance the extensive amenity of St. Catherine’s Park. Cllr Mahony said: “Fingal County Council is delighted to support this initiative which lets visitors and communities enjoy high-quality foods and crafts in beautiful surroundings. “The market is a valuable addition to St. Catherine’s Park, which was recognised as Best Public Park in Ireland at the All Ireland Community and Council Awards
earlier this year.” Located between Lucan, Leixlip and Clonsilla, the 81-hectare park boasts scenic woodland and river walks, playgrounds, picnic areas, playing pitches, adult exercise equipment and a BMX track. The park holds a Green Flag Award and lies within a natural conservation area, which is managed carefully to ensure the protection, management and enhancement of wildlife, habitat and built heritage.
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
Tendering process for Mayne Road/Hole in the Wall Road Junction Upgrade Scheme underway
F
ingal County Council has commenced the tendering process for the Mayne Road/Hole in the Wall Road
Junction Upgrade Scheme. Proposed works include a new road linking the Hole In The Wall Road to the Drumnigh Road and Mayne Road junction, a new bridge over the River Mayne, footpaths and cycle tracks, bus lanes, and flood defence measures. The tendering process will take about four months. When the successful tenderer is selected, final funding approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government will be sought under the
Gum Litter Awareness Campaign officially launched in Swords
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he Gum Litter Taskforce’s gum litter education
campaign “Bin Your Gum When You’re Done” was
officially launched by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien in the Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords.
Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) programme. Once approved, estimated construction
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said: “The Gum Litter
time is 15 months.
Taskforce’s gum litter education campaign harnesses community spirit towards achieving a common goal:
Acting Director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure
ridding our streets of littered gum.
Matthew McAleese said: ‘The Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is a key element
“Communities across the county are coming together to
of Rebuilding Ireland: An Action Plan for Housing &
make a positive change in their respective localities. The
Homelessness, providing public off-site infrastructure to
campaign has made very positive inroads to date and I
relieve critical infrastructure blockages.
hope it will continue to do so this year.”
“This critical infrastructure will significantly improve road
Paul Kelly, Chairman of the Gum Litter Taskforce said: “The
safety at these junctions and open up lands in Baldoyle,
launch is part of a broader nationwide campaign including
to ultimately involve construction of 1,500 houses.”
an advertising campaign and a school’s education programme, Bin It!.” Katherine Hogan, Corporate Affairs Director, Mars Ireland said: “Mars Wrigley Ireland are delighted once again to be part of this positive and vibrant campaign. “It could not have reached the heights which it has to date without the enthusiasm and hard work of local authorities and communities around the country in tackling the issue. “ When the Taskforce began in 2007, 74% of people regarded chewing gum as litter, while 54% of people said that they always disposed of their gum correctly. By 2018 these were 93% and 88% respectively, which suggests the campaigns are having a positive impact. Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
Fingal wins prestigious national award for ‘Our Balbriggan’
F
ingal County Council’s successful Our Balbriggan public engagement strategy took top honours at this year’s Excellence in Public Relations Awards.
judges’ citation. The award, which was presented at a special ceremony in Dublin’s Manion House, was accepted by the Acting Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gráinne Maguire and Elaine Grennan, Creative Director at MediaConsult.
The collaborative approach between Fingal County Council and communications agency MediaConsult was named as Best Public Sector Campaign. The awards are organised annually by the Public Relations Consultants Association, the Public Relations Institute of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Region of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. A total of 65 campaigns were shortlisted in 20 categories for the Awards which have been running since 1993 and are the yardstick for excellence within the public relations industry. The successful multi-platform strategy for the public consultation process on the transformation plan for Balbriggan saw 26% of the town’s population take the Our Balbriggan survey and united the community behind the process. The Our Balbriggan survey saw local
“This award is testament to the people of Balbriggan, who got involved in the Our Balbriggan process which is going to bring massive change to the town over the next five years,” said Cllr residents shape the order of priorities for a list of improvements to transform the town, and has resulted in plans to transform the Main Street and Harbour areas. The online survey attracted 4,004 submissions from Balbriggan residents – 26% of the total over-11 population of the town. The judges stated that the Our Balbriggan campaign demonstrated how ambitious targets can be reached within a modest budget. “The use of a simple slogan across the campaign effectively placed a community front and centre. This was reflected in the high levels of local engagement achieved,” stated the
Maguire. “Balbriggan as a community has come together with the group of stakeholders, led by the Balbriggan Leadership Group and Fingal County Council, to engage in a collaborative and unified way to prioritise the areas which will best address the socioeconomic challenges of the town,” said Emer O’Gorman, Director of Economic Enterprise and Tourism Development at Fingal County Council. The Our Balbriggan campaign had been short-listed along with the National Standards Authority, The Central Bank and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in the Public Sector category.
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
THREE PROJECTS REPRESENT FINGAL IN PRIDE OF PLACE
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n this year’s Annual IPB Pride of Place competition Fingal is represented by the communities of Whitestown in Dublin 15 and Flemington in Balbriggan, and the Hide Sculpture project at Rogerstown in North County Dublin. Pride of Place is an All-Ireland Competition which showcases the best in community development and achievement on the island. The competition is organised by Co-operation Ireland and it is open to every local Authority, north and south, to nominate groups to represent their county. In 2018 Fingal County Council had two winners in the Competition finals, held in Cork City Hall, when Corduff won the overall prize for Urban Neighbourhood and Baldoyle took the runners-up prize in the Coastal Communities category.
within the estate.
of Fingal County Council’s Public Arts Programme.
The Flemington neighbourhood of Balbriggan is one of the youngest and most culturally diverse urban areas in Fingal. This entry will focus on new emerging communities with youth and ethnic diversity to the forefront. Flemington played a crucial role in the recent Our Balbriggan consultation and is entered in the Urban Neighbourhoods category. The Hide Sculpture and Rogerstown Park is entered in the Creative Place category. The Hide Sculpture is a permanent large-scale work on a former landfill site, which provides the local communities of Lusk, Rush and Rogerstown with a space for reflection, education and nature observation. The project was created with a local artist as part
Speaking about this year’s Fingal Pride of Place entries, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’ Brien, said: “Pride of Place is a very important event each year for Fingal as it allows communities to highlight the great work they do in partnership with their local authority. I sincerely want to wish this year’s three worthy entries the very best of luck in the 2019 competition.” Interim Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The annual Pride of Place Competition is a wonderful way for the communities of Fingal to showcase all that is best and most innovative in the county. It is a great advert for communities
This year, the Whitestown Estate Management group in Blakestown, in Dublin 15 is entered in the Housing Estates category. This hard-working local group is the representative body for the Whitestown Estate. The group has recently embarked on an ambitious community arboretum project to remember deceased members of the local community Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
Major restoration works begin at Shackleton Gardens
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working hand-inhand with the local authority. Last year was a very strong one for Fingal with winners in both Corduff and Baldoyle. I am very confident that the three entries this year will do the county proud.” This is the 17th year for the Pride of Place competition and over 100 communities from
every county on the island of Ireland took part in the competition last year with the island-wide finals taking place in Cork. This year’s finals will take place in The Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, on November 30 with two days of judging at these sites in Fingal having already taken place on June 25.
he development of a major tourism attraction in Dublin 15 moved a step closer after Fingal County Council awarded contracts for the restoration and reconstruction of The Shackleton Garden in Beech Park, Clonsilla. The works are part of a €400,000 investment from Fingal County Council and Fáilte Ireland. The gardens, which include an internationally famous plant collection of herbaceous perennials, were acquired by the Council last year with a view to opening them to the public as an important visitor attraction in the Dublin 15 area. The work will involve the rebuilding of large sections of the garden walls, upgrading of paths and the restoration of garden buildings.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, said: “The Shackleton Gardens have the potential to be a major visitor attraction in Dublin 15 and another addition to Fingal County Council’s growing portfolio of tourism assets. I warmly welcome the news that contracts have been signed.” The Council’s Parks and Operations staff are also working with a local volunteer group on the conservation and replanting of the plant collection which includes a wide range of herbaceous perennials, shrubs and specimen trees. During the 1980s, the gardens were included in The Good Gardens Guide and were awarded two stars. This is the highest accolade awarded by the Guide and reserved for the very best gardens in Britain and Ireland.
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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News Feature
Flavours is a huge draw once again!
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ewbridge House and Farm played host to another hugely successful Flavours of Fingal County Show. The Flavours of Fingal event has grown significantly since it began eight years ago and is now the big-
gest county show in the country. The weekend was a huge success for the thousands of visitors who came to enjoy the entertainment, food, displays and events held throughout the weekend This is a wonderful showcase of the best
of what Fingal has to offer when it comes to farming and food production and the feedback after the event has been hugely positive. The weather was perfect and ensured that the huge numbers who attended were able to enjoy the various outdoor events such as the livestock shows, equestrian events, living history, cycling velodrome, the fashion shows and the kids’ favourite attraction, the bouncing castles! The Fingal Village showcasing the work and services of the Council was very successful in its new location in the Walled Garden and attracted a huge number of visitors who were able to meet Fingal staff face to face.
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News Feature
It is a great credit to all the staff involved and the months of preparation that it was a safe and fun event to attend and this year, and in keeping with our commitment regarding combating climate change, shuttle buses were provided and many opted to take advantage of public transportation.
Interim Chief Executive Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly complimented everyone involved with the Festival, saying: “Flavours of Fingal provides a spectacular showcase of the best that Fingal has to offer in terms of food, farming and entertainment and is an annual highlight for the Community in Fingal and beyond. “This remarkable event is testament to the months of preparation and excellent organisation on the day of the Fingal County Council staff across every Department as well as volunteers, exhibitors & sponsors and I would like to thank everyone who helped make I the weekend a resounding success.”
something to offer for everyone’s taste and I am already looking forward to 2020.” Newbridge House and Farm, the spectacular setting for the Flavours of Fingal, is well worth a visit at any time with attractions including the farm and house tours and woodland trails, and is easily accessible from the M1 and Donabate train station.
Mayor of Fingal Councillor Eoghan O’Brien said: “I would like to say well done to everyone who contributed to a brilliant Flavours of Fingal weekend in Newbridge House. “I had the opportunity to meet many of them including Fingal staff, farmers, exhibitors as well as volunteers and sponsors during the weekend. This fantastic event has Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
Plans lodged for iconic Broadmeadow Way
F
ingal County Council has lodged an application with An Bord Pleanala for planning consent for the Broadmeadow Way, a proposed new walking and cycling greenway route of approximately 6km in length between Malahide Demesne and Newbridge Demesne in Donabate.
The proposed development will run across the Malahide Estuary adjacent to the mainline railway viaduct and will, if approved, provide an iconic route for walkers and cyclists of all abilities and ages to enjoy this stunning coastal route. It is expected that it will ultimately connect with the proposed Fingal Coastal Way, a 32km high quality, recreational stretch of greenway connecting Donabate, Rush, Skerries, Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan and Bremore Castle. Interim Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly: “This scheme will bring huge benefits to the communities along the route and provide a destination greenway for visitors
to the area also.”
She added: “We have an exciting programme of greenway infrastructure under development in Fingal at present and we plan to continue to develop a network of high quality greenways over the coming years, as part of our wider sustainable transport infrastructure programme, in order to realise the many benefits that this type of development can bring in terms of climate change, economic development, and health and leisure amenity.” Senior Engineer Paul Carroll said: “The Broadmeadow Way will deliver a great facility for walkers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts in the area. It will showcase the stunning natural scenery of the north County Dublin coastline and provide a scenic and direct route between the growing communities of Malahide and Donabate, as well as linking the two popular destinations of Malahide Castle and Newbridge House.”
Children’s Health Ireland Clinical Director Dr Ciara Martin, Chief Executive Eilísh Hardiman and Clinical Specialist Radiographer Dineo Hunters at CHI at Connolly in Blanchardstown, Dublin.
C
hildren’s Health Ireland (CHI) is now treating patients at its new paediatric outpatient and urgent care centre at CHI at Connolly in Blanchardstown which opened on July 31. This is a new, state-of-the-art facility offering a range of services to children, young people and their families in the local area as well as those in Dublin north city and county, surrounding areas in Kildare and Meath as well as all those who choose to use the services. Key benefits for patients is bringing fast, convenient, quality care close to their home, as is clinically appropriate. It is staffed by specialist paediatric staff including nurses, doctors, health and social care professionals, and includes new staff as well as staff from the three children’s hospitals.
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
URGENT CHILDREN’S CARE CENTRE OPENS
A range of services will be provided at CHI at Connolly in Blanchardstown, including urgent care for the treatment of minor injury and illness that requires prompt treatment but is not life threatening and does not require a visit to the Emergency Department (ED). Children with minor injuries such as fractures, sprains, minor burns, small cuts and illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhoea and mild asthma should all come to the new Centre. The urgent care centre is a walk-in service - no appointment is necessary. A short stay observation unit will allow for children and young people to be observed and treated by a Consultant for up to six hours before being discharged, with a small number of patients requiring onward referral to one of other children’s hospitals.
The initial hours of opening for the urgent care centre will be 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday. As the Urgent Care service hours increase, CHI will continue to liaise with all relevant stakeholders and with the general public on the hours, keeping them informed as the service hours expands. Over time the Urgent Care Centre plans to open seven days a week, 8am to 8pm to the public with patients in the centre treated and discharged before 24.00.
8am to 6pm Monday to Friday for a number of specialities, these include General Paediatrics (general clinics, conditional specific clinics, rapid access clinic and Trauma Orthopaedics (fracture clinics) For further information see www. childrenshealthireland.ie/connolly #OurChildrensHospital @nch_info
It will deliver Outpatient services will be from Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
Arts Office hosts visual arts course
P Malahide concerts success M
alahide Castle played host to seven concerts which were attended by over 160,000 fans. This year’s shows by Snow Patrol, The Cure, Mumford & Sons, Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds, Lana del Rey and George Ezra attracted huge crowds in what was a wonderful three weeks of musical entertainment.
rimary school teachers from all over Fingal have come together to attend The Artful Classroom, which is a professional development opportunity in visual art.
Presented by Fingal County Council’s Arts Office and Fingal Curator Cleo Fagan of Superprojects, The Artful Classroom was hosted by Draíocht, Blanchardstown, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) Kilmainham. It aimed to enrich teachers’ work in the classroom by exploring contemporary art and architecture as fascinating resources ripe for use as departure points and inspiration for creative enquiry. Cleo Fagan, curator of the programme, said: “‘Each day was led by a different facilitator, who shared their experience of working creatively with children and demonstrated how they translate their own artistic interests into classroom practice in visual art and other areas across the curriculum.” The week began with trained architect and teacher Aoife Banim igniting an exploration of special awareness, scale and design
using Draíocht’s own building as a starting point. Artist Beth O’Halloran followed this the next day by facilitating a workshop focused on colour, texture and composition, inviting the group to get inspired by the artwork of Felim Egan, transforming the real into the abstract. At IMMA, artist Clare Breen led a workshop that responded to the early and current work of Janet Mullarney which is currently on exhibition there. The dialogue centred on the Museum context as an educational resource for the primary school curriculum. Trained artist and teacher Anne Bradley generated a drawing workshop in response to the artwork of Japanese Artist Yayoi Kusama, thus transforming Draíocht’s workshop space into a hive of activity and colour. The week came to a grand finale with artist Catriona Leahy introducing various printmaking techniques and sharing her experience of adapting these techniques to create unique large scale works and installations.
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Five Fingal parks awarded prestigious Green Flag honour
F
ingal County Council has welcomed news that that five of its parks have received a prestigious Green Flag award for 2019, an internationally recognised quality mark for well managed public parks and open spaces. Ardgillan Demesne, Malahide Demesne, Millennium Park in Blanchardstown, Santry Demesne and St Catherine’s Park were all awarded the honour at the awards ceremony held at Maynooth University. And in further good news, Malahide Demesne also won the overall prize in the 2019 Pollinator Project category for its pollinator-friendly planting and gardening and its efforts to educate the public and to promote these efforts through its website and social media. The Green Flag Award for Parks Scheme is an international standard for well managed public parks and green spaces. This year a record 60 Irish Parks and Gardens received the award, which is operated by An Taisce’s Environmental Education Unit. The awards are judged every year by a peer jury of green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability, and community involvement. Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said: ‘I am immensely proud that five Parks across
Fingal have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Council staff who ensure that the Parks continue to be wonderful amenities for everyone who live and visit the County.
to ensure our parks are maintained to the highest standards. We are justifiably proud of all of our parks and open spaces across Fingal, and we will continue to ensure that they are places for people, both young and old, to enjoy.”
“The very fact that the Parks are located right across Fingal shows the scale of the task involved in maintaining the demesnes and it is great to see them receive this deserved recognition.
Senior Parks Superintendent Kevin Halpenny said: “It is great to see the five Fingal parks receive the Green Flags. It is also pleasing to have won the Pollinator Project category for our work in Malahide Demesne. We are very committed to biodiversity in our parks and open spaces and we strive to enhance the natural habitat for the variety of species found in them.”
“And of course closer to home, it is wonderful to see Malahide Demesne receive the overall Pollinator Project, particularly at a time when biodiversity and conservation are so important to maintaining our environment and natural heritage.” Interim Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “This is great news and reflects the considerable energy and work across a number of departments within the Council
Director of Operations David Storey said: ‘Fingal County Council is continually working to ensure our parks are maintained to the highest of standards, and I am delighted to see that the hard work and dedication of staff has been recognised by An Taisce.”
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk Pupils complete Badminton Programme
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lmost 100 students from two Balbriggan primary schools have taken part in a five-week Schools Badminton Programme. A badminton coach visited Bracken ETNS and Scoil Chormaic CNS for four weeks and all students then attended a final blitz which was held in Castleland Community Centre on the final week. The students who took part were 5th and 6th class pupils. This was the first year of this programme, which sees Fingal County Council Sports Office and Balbriggan Community Sports Hub work in conjunction with Badminton Ireland to deliver the initiative. As part of the programme teachers from both schools attended the Badminton Ireland Shuttle Time coaching course. They also received a kit bag with rackets, shuttles and nets to help introduce Badminton as a new sport to their students. The Badminton Programme is designed to introduce children to a new sport and support teachers to deliver Badminton during their PE sessions. Ciaran Russell, Community Sports Hubs Coordinator for FCC Sports, said: “This programme will hopefully be the starting point of developing junior badminton in Balbriggan.” For further information contact: Ciaran Russell (087) 961 7530 or Ciaran.Russell@fingal.ie.
Council involved in illegal dumping awareness campaign
A
s you drive through Fingal
produced a video clip highlighting
you can’t help but notice
the issue and this will run in three
household and bulky waste
different cinemas within Fingal from
being dumped along roadways and
now until Christmas. The video is also
in isolated areas destroying our
on Youtube https://www.youtube.
beautiful countryside.
com/watch?v=l5Ysq-uTt10 and shows how waste handed over to
The Environment Section in Fingal
unauthorised waste collectors ends
County Council are currently involved
up being dumped in the countryside
in a number of anti-dumping
instead of being brought to a
campaigns to help raise awareness in
licenced waste facility for recovery/
relation to illegal dumping and illegal
disposal. If someone offers to take
waste collectors (“Man in a Van”)
your waste for a bargain price ask
which is a National Priority for 2019
to see their ID and their waste
under the Anti-Dumping initiative.
collection permit number. Check
You may have already seen the anti-
if they are an authorised waste
dumping poster (pictured right) that
collector through the National Waste
is being advertised at bus shelters
Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) at
throughout Fingal and on social
www.nwcpo.ie (Permit Search Tab –
media as well as advertising sites
Advanced Search Option). If they’re
such as Donedeal and Adverts.ie.
not on the list then they’re not authorised to collect waste.
Illegal waste collectors use social media and advertising sites to
Enda Hoey, Senior Executive
offer waste removal services with
Scientist, Fingal County Council,
householders tempted by a cheap
said: “Education and awareness is
offer to dispose of waste which can
the key to success in order to tackle
then end up being dumped causing
illegal dumping. This is why we are
environmental pollution. The poster
using these innovative methods in
campaign targets the same sites
our campaign to ensure that the
and highlights the issue of illegal
message reaches a wide audience.
waste collectors and the risk to
We all have a responsibility to
householders of a criminal conviction
manage our waste and to protect the
and court fine up to €5,000 if your
environment for future generations.”
waste is found dumped by the side of
If you have any queries or to report
a road or in the countryside.
unauthorised waste collectors or dumping contact environment@
Fingal County Council has also
fingal.ie or Tel: 1800 201093. Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
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Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
Heritage Council hosts Boards meeting in Fingal F Good news for Fingal in IBAL litter survey
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here was good news for Fingal in the latest Irish Business against Litter (IBAL) results as Dublin Airport & Environs and Swords are featured in the top 20 in the list and both are deemed “Clean to European Norms”. Dublin Airport Environs achieved 15th place and Swords 18th place. Litter levels were assessed in 40 towns and cities across the country by An Taisce, who found 31 of them or 77% to be clean which was very positive news for tourism and local communities alike. The report stated “With seven out of ten sites getting the top litter grade, Dublin Airport Environs continues to be ‘Clean to European Norms” and continues regarding the Airport Roundabout; “a very clean and tidy impression was created at this site. Grass and sculpture were in good condition. Overall, it presented a fresh and welcoming environment for any visitors arriving at Dublin Airport.” Regarding Swords the report commented: “An excellent showing by past winner Swords on its return to the league after an absence of several years saw the town being placed 18th out of 40 towns/cities surveyed. The approach roads got the top litter grade, creating a positive first impression of the town. The residential areas of Carlton Court and Longlands were both top ranking, indicating well cared for environments”.
ingal County Council hosted a Heritage Council board meeting at its headquarters in Swords, marking the long-standing and successful relationship between the two organisations. The Heritage Council Board held its meeting in the council chamber in County Hall in Swords, followed by a visit to view the restoration work at nearby Swords Castle and dinner at Malahide Castle and Gardens. The following day, they enjoyed a tour around Fingal where they visited three project sites, namely Malahide Casino, Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate, and Drumanagh, between Loughshinny and Rush. Interim Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “The visit by the Board of the Heritage Council marks the longstanding and fruitful relationship the heritage Council has with Fingal County Council.” Heritage Council chairperson Michael Parsons said: “I am delighted that the Heritage Council held its Board meeting in Fingal. This reflects its longstanding and productive relationship with Fingal County Council. The Heritage Council, though its support of initiatives such as the Community Archaeologist programme, has worked and continues to work closely with the County Council to assist it in raising awareness of Fingal’s rich and varied heritage. I look forward to seeing the impact of this support on the ground over the coming days.”
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said “These are excellent results for the Fingal region, particularly the Airport Region and Swords. I see the many hours of voluntary effort put in by local residents throughout the County, working with Fingal County Council to improve their areas, and it great to see these efforts acknowledged in this way” Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Newsdesk
Major investment in roads planned
F
ingal County Council plans to carry out a multi-million euro investment in regional roads across Fingal, which will include the provision of extensive cycling infrastructure as part of the upgrade works. An extensive examination of the regional road network was carried out across the County, and has prompted a two-phase approach to improving the network for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Work is set to begin shortly on the first project under this programme on carriageway works and lining for cycle facilities from Blake’s Cross to Minister’s Road on the R132 in Lusk. A further upgrade from Hedgestown to the Applegreen Service Station, which will also improve the cycling network, has also been identified under phase one and will commence later this year. Other projects identified in phase one include investment in carriageway works and lining for cycle facilities on the R135 North Road, as well as the provision of structural upgrade drainage works on the R127 Blake’s Cross to Lusk Road and upgrading the carriageway and off-road cycle tracks on the Ballycoolin Road. In terms of phase two, further
improvements of the R132 Swords to Balbriggan road, including upgrades of the Swords by-pass as well as the construction of a new junction at Blake’s Cross have also been identified. Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said: “This is a substantial investment by Fingal County Council in the road network across the county, which will see significant improvements not only for motorists but for cyclists and pedestrians too. I am particularly pleased to see that the improvement works will include extensive upgrades of the cycle network.” Director of Operations David Storey said: “I am delighted to see the roll-out of this substantial investment programme in our regional
roads. Contracts have just been signed to allow for the commencement of the first project from Blake’s Cross to Minister’s Road in Lusk, which will see improvements for all road users, whether you are a motorist, cyclist or a pedestrian.” Interim Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “This is the beginning of a planned programme to improve the roads in Fingal and I am delighted to see the first project get started. We want to improve connectivity between our towns and villages, for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, and this is a key priority under the Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023. We will continue this investment with additional schemes getting underway in the coming year.”
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Libraries News
Visit the library anywhere, any time: introducing Fingal Libraries eServices W
hat do you do when you want to use the library but can’t get there? Maybe you want to read a book on holidays but can’t fit in in your suitcase, listen to an audio book while going for a run, read a magazine or newspaper of your choice on the train or learn a new language on your way to work? Fingal Libraries offer many online services that are easily accessible once you have a library card number and PIN. eBooks and eAudiobooks are an increasingly important element in modern reading and the convenience they afford is impressive. Through the Borrowbox app you have access to 20,000 eBooks and 13,000 eAudiobooks and can borrow up to five of each at a time. The RB Digital app provides access to hundreds of magazines, comics and graphic novels. This popular app also provides access to online music and art lessons through Artist Works. Newspapers from around the world are available in many different languages through the Pressreader app. Learning and self-improvement are among the most valuable and important reasons to use Fingal Libraries, and our eServices make this very accessible. A wide range of instructor-led online courses are available
through Universal Class on the Fingal Libraries website. From accounting and computer training to parenting and psychology courses, there’s something for everyone. One of the most exciting developments in our eServices story has been the Freegal service, a music platform that provides access to over 15 million songs and 40,000 music videos from the Sony catalogue. Unlimited streaming, playlist creation and five downloads each week are all at your fingertips. Freegal is both free of ads and free of charge. Are you longing for an eyecatching book with an eyewatering price tag? With the Fingal Library app you can simply scan the barcode of the book and
it will tell you if it’s available for loan in any of ourl branches. This is both convenient and thrifty! The app allows you to search the catalogue and once you’ve found the title you’re looking for, you can reserve and renew from the comfort of your own home. To avail of our eServices get yourself a free library card and PIN number at your local library and you will have access to all of our online services 24/7 absolutely free of charge. Next time you’re feeling curious, drop in for a virtual visit to Fingal Libraries. All branches hold regular eServices information sessions. For any further questions please contact your local library.
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Libraries News Fingal’s Library Services Balbriggan
01 870 4401 / 01 870 4402
balbrigganlibrary@fingal.ie
Baldoyle
01 890 6793
baldoylelibrary@fingal.ie
Blanchardstown
01 890 5563
blanchlib@fingal.ie
Donabate
01 890 5609
donabate.library@fingal.ie
Garristown
01 835 5020
garristownlibrary@fingal.ie
Howth
01 890 5026
howthlibrary.library@fingal.ie
Malahide
01 870 4430 / 01 870 4431
malahidelibrary@fingal.ie
Rush
01 870 8414
rushlibrary@fingal.ie
Skerries
01 890 5671
skerrieslibrary.library@fingal.ie
Swords
01 890 5894 / 01 890 5582
swordslibrary@fingal.ie
Mobile library service
01 822 1564
mobilelibraries@fingal.ie
Library Headquarters
01 890 5524
LibrariesHQ@fingalcoco.ie
Housebound library service
01 860 4290 / 1850 211466 (Freephone)
houseboundlibrary@fingal.ie
Local Studies and Archives
01 870 4495 / 01 890 4486
Local.Studies@fingal.ie
Fingal Libraries are on Social Media!
Be a Summer Star with Fingal Libraries As part of the programme, a range of children’s events will be held in Fingal libraries to suit all interests – including author visits, technology workshops, creative writing, music, arts and crafts and magic shows.
F
ingal Libraries launched its annual Summer Stars Reading programme with a fun performance for all the family by Reuben the Entertainer at Blanchardstown Library. Summer Stars is an exciting reading programme available free of charge to all children across
the country. It runs in all Fingal libraries until August 31 with the goal of encouraging reading during the summer holidays. All children are invited to register for the summer reading challenge with rewards and incentives along the way and a grand finale event at the end for all participants.
County Librarian Betty Boardman commented: “The Summer Stars Reading Programme is a fun way to keep children reading over the school holidays. The events that tie in with the Programme will keep children occupied whatever the weather.” For details of activities and events, please pick up a copy of Fingal Libraries’ summer brochure at your local library or view it online at Fingal Libraries’ website. You can also keep up to date with summer stars’ events by following Fingal Libraries on Facebook and Twitter.
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Business Desk
Fingal’s Enterprising Women host Summer BBQ
T
he Fingal Enterprising Women Network (FEWN), which is run by the Fingal Local Enterprise Office (LEO), hosted this year’s Summer BBQ at the Portmarnock Hotel And Golf Links, where the National Women Enterprise Day (NWED) 2019 date for the Dublin Region was announced.
Over 100 enterprising businesswomen met, connected and learned, while enjoying a delicious BBQ at the picturesque seaside venue in Portmarnock. Guest speaker Lorraine Heskin, CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour, shared her philosophy on what it takes to succeed and lessons learned on her entrepreneurial journey. Manager of the Fingal Enterprising Women Network Sharon Rossignuolo said: “This year, our Summer BBQ was the biggest to date! The Portmarnock Hotel is a beautiful location where our businesswomen mingled and made all those important business connections, as well as picked up
great tips on how to succeed in business.”
Making the special announcement of the evening, Chair of the LEO Network and Head of Enterprise in Fingal LEO, Oisín Geoghegan said: “The annual FEWN Summer BBQ is the latest in a long line of successful events run by the network. This year, I’m delighted to announce that National Women Enterprise Day (NWED) 2019 will be hosted by Fingal LEO on Thursday, October 17 in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.” FEWN is run by LEO Fingal. and provides networking and learning opportunities for women in business and enterprise in the region. The Network meets up every quarter and provides a platform to female entrepreneurs (and aspiring entrepreneurs), to network, build useful local business contacts and keep up to speed with key issues affecting business.
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Business Desk
FINGAL FIRM CLINCHES A PLACE IN IBYE FINAL
L
ocal Enterprise Office (LEO) Fingal is delighted that Ciaran Brennan from Ground Up Software Ltd. T/A “Livecosts.com” in Blanchardstown has clinched a place in the national final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition in September at Google HQ.
Ciaran is competing in the Best Start-Up category, and is one of the three young entrepreneurs who will represent the Dublin region on Sunday, September 15 September. The local entrepreneur now has the opportunity, along with seven other national finalists (three from each region nationally - one in each category), to become Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur and share in a €100,000 winners’ investment fund. Livecosts.com helps construction companies increase profits by leveraging artificial intelligence to manage and analyse project costs in real time. The idea emerged when Ciaran was in Australia running another construction business. He returned to Fingal to start the software business in January 2018, leveraging artificial intelligence to automate collecting cost data on construction projects. Now in its fifth year, IBYE is a nationwide campaign to celebrate Ireland’s young entrepreneurs open to people aged 18 to 35 who have an innovative business idea, new start-up or established business.
Eight regional finals are taking place across the country over the next few weeks in the search for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2019. The Dublin final was hosted by Noel Davidson of Entrepreneurs Academy. Special guests at the awards ceremony included: Declan Hughes Assistant Secretary at the Department of Business Enterprise & Innovation; Deirdre O’Neill of Enterprise Ireland; Oisín Geoghegan, Chair of the Network of 31 LEOs; AnnMarie Farrelly, Interim Chief Executive of Fingal County Council; and Emer O’Gorman, Director of Services at Fingal County Council. Speaking at the regional final Chair of the LEO Network and Head of Enterprise in LEO Fingal, Oisín Geoghegan said: “We are delighted to have had such a
positive response from so many strong candidates from Dublin this year - it is fantastic to see some of our best young entrepreneurs here tonight with innovative ideas and businesses. “The skills and knowledge gained by all involved in the competition will stay with each participant and help grow their businesses even further. We are excited to see what will be in store for our regional winners and we wish them every success in the upcoming national finals! IBYE is a remarkable platform that we hope will encourage and grow young entrepreneurship and job creation in the region.” Further details on the competition can be found on the IBYE website at www.ibye.ie. A comprehensive list of supports available to young entrepreneurs is available through www.localenterprise.ie/Fingal
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Newsdesk
Pop up Gaeltacht ag Flavours of Fingal agus Fleadh Fhine Gall B hí Pop up Gaeltacht ag Flavours of Fingal arís i mbliana i dTeach agus Feirm An Droichid Nua i nDomhnach Bat agus d’éirigh go hiontach leis arís. Bhí Éilís Ní Bheilbigh ó Foras Na Gaeilge agus Brian Madigan agus Áine Ní Choileáin, Gaeilgeoirí áitiúla ag cabhrú le Bernie Kelly, Oifigeach Gaeilge Fhine Gall ann. Bhí sé go deas Gaeilge breá a chloisteáil thart timpeall idir Gaeilge líofa agus daoine le Cúpla Focal. Thug sé deis do dhaltaí scoile Gaeilge a labhairt
freisin in áit taobh amuigh den scoil agus bhí siad breá sásta é sin a dhéanamh. Thug Méara Fhine Gall An Clr. Eoghan O Brien agus Príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle Contae Fhine Gall AnnMarie Farrelly cuairt ann. Bhí an aimsir go deas don fhéile agus bhain idir óg agus aosta sásamh as an éagsúlacht siamsaíochta a bhí ann le scoth an bheostoic, na ceardaíochta agus na cócaireachta agus ceol, siamsaíocht agus spraoi do
pháistí.
Beidh Fleadh Fhine Gall ar siúl i Sord arís ó 6 go 8 Meán Fómhair le Kilfenora Céilí Band, Moya Brennan, Ulaid, Ranganna Damhsa, Seisiún Sráide, Céilí is go leor eile. D’éirigh thar cionn le Ceolchoirm John Spillane anuraidh le Irish Songs we Learned at School agus beidh sé ar ais i mbliana in ionad níos mó – san Ollphuball sa Chaisleán. Bígí linn. @fingalfleadhfair
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Contact Fingal County Council County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin K67 X8Y2
Fingal County Council Parks Ardgillan Castle Demesne and Regional Park Malahide Castle Demesne and Regional Park
Fingal County Council Civic Offices Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 D15 W638
Newbridge House, Farm, Demesne and Regional Park Swords Castle and Townpark Santry Demesne Regional Park
Tel: (01) 890 5000
Skerries Mills
Web: www.fingal.ie Email: customercareunit@fingal.ie Report: www.fixyourstreet.ie
St Catherines Park / Lucan Demesne
Connect with us Join us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube
Tolka Valley Regional Park
Fingal News is published by the Communications Unit of Fingal County Council.
Talbot Botanic Gardens
Ward River Valley Regional Park
For a full list of opening hours and more details, please go to: http://fingal.ie/community-and-leisure/
Email: fingalnews@fingal.ie
Fingal County Council Recycling Centres
Coolmine Recycling Centre Coolmine Industrial Estate, Dublin 15. (Beside Coolmine Fire Station)
Estuary Recycling Centre Swords, County Dublin (Beside Swords Business Park)
For opening hours and more details see link http://fingal.ie/environment/waste-and-recycling/recycling-centres/
Fingal News Issue No 9 August 2019
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Your Councillors Local Electoral Areas 1
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Balbriggan 1. Cllr.Tony Murphy Independent tony.murphy@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 277 2030 2. Cllr. Joe O’Brien Green Party joe.obrien@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 960 8540 3. Cllr. Grainne Maguire Independent grainne.maguire@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 943 6650 4. Cllr. Seána Ó Rodaigh Labour Party seana.orodaigh@cllrs.fingal.ie 085 831 3801 5. Cllr. Tom O’Leary Fine Gael tom.oleary@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 245 9897 Rush- Lusk 6. Cllr. Robert O’Donoghue Labour Party robert.odonoghue@cllrs. fingal.ie 083 322 7472 7. Cllr. Adrian Henchy Fianna Fáil adrian.henchy@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 681 4485 8. Cllr. Brian Dennehy Fianna Fáil brian.dennehy@cllrs.fingal.ie 085 229 8201
9. Cllr. Cathal Boland Independent cathal.boland@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 257 7672 10. Cllr. Paul Mulville Social Democrats paul.mulville@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 378 7395 Swords 11. Cllr. Darragh Butler Fianna Fáil darragh.butler@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 959 5378 12. Cllr. Ian Carey Green Party ian.carey@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 307 4004 13. Cllr. Dean Mulligan Independents4Change dean.mulligan@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 966 6260 14. Cllr. Duncan Smith Labour Party duncan.smith@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 986 2686 15. Cllr. Joe Newman Independent joe.newman@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 245 7729 16. Cllr. Brigid Manton Fianna Fáil brigid.manton@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 247 6596 17. Cllr. Ann Graves Sinn Féin
ann.graves@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 272 4359 Howth - Malahide 18. Cllr. Eoghan O’Brien Fianna Fáil eoghan.obrien@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 858 0562 19. Cllr. David Healy Green Party david.healy@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 617 8852 20. Cllr. Cian O’Callaghan Social Democrats cian.ocallaghan@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 286 6631 21. Cllr. Brian Mc Donagh Labour Party brian.mcdonagh@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 385 8979 22. Cllr. Jimmy Guerin Independent jimmy.guerin@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 014 3346 23. Cllr. Aoibhinn Tormey Fine Gael aoibhinn.tormey@cllrs. fingal.ie 087 754 6258 24. Cllr. Anthony Lavin Fine Gael anthony.lavin@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 993 1329
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Castleknock 25. Cllr. Roderic O’Gorman Green Party roderic.ogorman@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 417 9777 26. Cllr Emer Currie Fine Gael emer.currie@cllrs.fingal.ie 085 8161306 27. Cllr. Ted Leddy Fine Gael ted.leddy@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 327 6630 28. Cllr. John Walsh Labour Party john.walsh@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 648 6228 29. Cllr. Howard Mahony Fianna Fáil howard.mahony@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 0506146 30. Cllr. Natalie Treacy Sinn Féin natalie.treacy@cllrs.fingal.ie 085 128 5493 Ongar 31. Cllr. Paul Donnelly Sinn Fein paul.donnelly@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 134 1514 or (01) 806 6899 32. Cllr. Tania Doyle Independent tania.doyle@cllrs.fingal.ie 085 780 9292
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33 Cllr. Tom Kitt Fianna Fáil tom.kitt@cllrs.fingal.ie 086 199 5801 34. Cllr. Daniel Whooley Green Party daniel.whooley@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 397 8024 35. Cllr. Kieran Dennison Fine Gael kieran.dennison@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 259 5949 BlanchardstownMulhuddart 36. Cllr. Mary McCamley Labour Party mary.mccamley@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 650 1441 37. Cllr. Breda Hanaphy Sinn Féin breda.hanaphy@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 162 0917 38. Cllr. John Burtachaell Solidarity john.burtchaell@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 102 9372 39. Cllr. Punam Rane Fine Gael punam.rane@cllrs.fingal.ie 089 254 4372 40. Cllr. Freddie Cooper Fianna Fáil freddie.cooper@cllrs.fingal.ie 087 052 5628
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