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surrounded by his loving family at his home
Adored husband of June and loving father of Paul
Reposing for friends who wish to pay their respects at McNally’s Funeral Home Balbriggan on Monday 5th May from 2pm-4pm
returning to his family home on Monday evening to repose privately with immediate family only
Balbriggan arriving for Funeral Mass at 11 am followed by cremation in Glasnevin Crematorium at 1.30 pm
donations if desired to The Irish Cancer Society
The Funeral Mass will be streamed live on 6th May at 11 am via the following link
Church Link Here
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Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority are enhancing services and timetables on the B1 Balbriggan Town Service
These improvements will come into effect on Sunday
The significantly enhanced services are funded by the National Transport Authority as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network
The improvements will benefit passengers in the region travelling for leisure
work and education as well as those making onward connections with bus and rail connections
B1 Balbriggan Town service will provide extended hours of operation Monday to Saturday with a half hourly service from 6.30 to 19.30 and an hourly service from 19.30 to 23.40
The new Sunday service will provide passengers with an hourly service from 7.30 to 23.30
The Balbriggan service will operate fully accessible vehicles
reflecting Bus Éireann and the NTA’s commitment to a fully inclusive public transport system with accessible vehicles and infrastructure
“Bus Éireann is delighted to introduce these improved services in Balbriggan
significantly increasing transport options for passengers in the region,” said Adrian O’Loughlin
“These improvements will particularly positively impact those travelling for work
These updates are the result of a strong collaboration between the NTA and Bus Éireann to enhance connectivity across the country to deliver an affordable
reliable and sustainable bus service for communities throughout Ireland
helping to make life better.”
Director of Public Transport Services of the NTA Jeremy Ryan said: “Enhancing the B1 Balbriggan Town Service is a key step in expanding our public transport network
further improving connections for local communities
These changes will make it easier for people in Balbriggan to travel for work
and better connect with the wider TFI network”
For further information on Balbriggan town service, including updated timetables and route maps, please visit: www.buseireann.ie
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A new €10m public swimming pool is to be built in Balbriggan
has been chosen by the authority as the location of the six-lane 25 metre pool
The project has now moved to preliminary design and planning stages
It is expected the project will be ready to go to planning by the end of this year and
construction could commence by the end of 2026
said: “As a former lifeguard and swimming teacher I am aware of the importance of swimming pools so this is great news
but for everybody in North County Dublin who will benefit from having a swimming pool in their area
The provision of community infrastructure is a key priority for the Council and it is great to see progress being made on this particular project.”
An integrated design team led by UK-based company ReCreation has developed preliminary plans
The new facility will incorporate a changing village
reception area with café and a viewing gallery
It will be located south of the area’s soon to be constructed Link Road
directly opposite the site of a proposed new school
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 Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme
a study which reached out to local teens also highlighted the need for a public swimming pool in Balbriggan
said: “Fingal County Council has long been aware of the need for a public swimming pool in Balbriggan
We will plan well to deliver a very significant facility for the people of the town and surrounding areas
This announcement is another significant milestone in our ambition to redevelop Balbriggan and represents further significant investment in the town and county by Fingal County Council.”
Active Travel and Sport at Fingal County Council
said: “We have done a lot of preparatory work to get us to this point
It makes perfect sense for any new swimming pool in Fingal to be located in Balbriggan
given its growing young population and the growth of nearby towns and villages like Skerries
Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group
which oversees Fingal County Council’s Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme
He said the swimming pool would have a profound and positive social impact on Balbriggan.
“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
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A NEW FARE structure introduced today has led to complaints from rail commuters in the north Dublin towns of Balbriggan and Skerries that they pay nearly twice the Dublin zone pricing despite being located in County Dublin
From today, commuters travelling from up to 50km from Dublin are able to use Leap Cards for trains.
Under the new fare structure, Balbriggan and Skerries have been grouped into the Dublin Commuter Zone — along with towns in counties Kildare, Wicklow, and Louth — rather than being included in the Dublin City Zone like other Dublin stations.
Although Balbriggan and Skerries are in the traditional area of County Dublin, they are also located in Fingal County Council’s jurisdiction. Balbriggan is also located less than five kilometers from County Meath.
Balbriggan and Skerries commuters can expect to pay €3.90 for an Adult, €1.95 for Young Adult/Student and €1.95 for Child Leap Cards for a journey into Dublin City Centre.
However, commuters in nearby Rush and Lusk can expect to pay €2.00 for Adult, €1 for Young Adult/Student and €0.65 for Child Leap Cards.
One Facebook user commented on the Irish Rail page: “I just would like an explanation why Balbriggan and Skerries are not in County Dublin according to the train, but other towns, like Maynooth and Bray, are. How can two town[s] IN Dublin, be excluded from the Dublin zone? Absolutely ridiculous. Explanations should be given.”
Another commenter on the same Facebook post said: “Ridiculous fare hike to Skerries and Balbriggan.”
Politicians from commuter areas across the capital in addition to locals on social media platforms, have expressed their frustration at the increase in train fare prices for the two towns that are located in Dublin county.
Increasing fares and taking skerries and balbriggan out of the Dublin zones is shocking and a terrible management strategy. You’ll have more people back driving on the roads now
“Other commuters are seeing their public transport costs fall. Balbriggan and Skerries commuters should be no different. I am calling on the National Transport Authority to urgently review this and deliver fairer fares for the people of Balbriggan and Skerries,” said Lorraine Clifford-Lee, a Fianna Fáil Senator.
She demanded that Balbriggan and Skerries be reclassified into the Dublin City Zone, to ensure they are treated the same as every other rail station in Dublin.
“I have been contacted by many concerned commuters and as someone who relies on public transport to get into work, I can completely appreciate their concerns and frustration around this decision,” said Grace Boland, a Fine Gael TD.
She added that this change in the fare structure could encourage people to drive to Zone 1, where the fares are lower, which would be counter-productive to get more people to use public transit.
Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Féin TD, said: “While many commuters from outside Dublin will see a decrease in their fares under these zonal adjustments, commuters from two of the fastest growing areas in Dublin, Balbriggan and Skerries, are having their fares increased.”
Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD, said the NTA and Irish Rail must “urgently review” these new fare increases.
A spokesperson from the NTA said “the new structure links fares more closely to distance travelled, making the system easier to understand and more equitable for all.”
They added that some passenger will see fare reductions, especially those travelling from outer commuter towns. Fares from Drogheda, Newbridge, Kildare, and Wicklow to Dublin are being reduced by 37–50%.
For others, particularly those just outside the new City Zone, some fares will increase. For example, Greystones and Skerries to Dublin fares will rise from €3.00 to €3.90.
“This is not a revenue-increasing exercise on the part of NTA. The overall fare-take is not projected to increase as a result of this restructuring,” they also said.
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Developers and investors involved in the delivery of housing in Dublin and the Greater Dublin Area will be interested in a substantial land holding which has come to the market in Balbriggan. Extending to a total area of 37.5 acres (15.17 hectares), the subject site is being offered for sale by agent Grimes at a guide price of €18.75 million, or an average of €500,000 an acre.
The lands, which are currently in agricultural use, are laid out in four divisions and zoned in their entirety for residential development under the terms of the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029. The site forms part of the Flemington local area plan (LAP), which was adopted on December 9th, 2024. The LAP outlines the vision, key themes and strategic objectives for the sustainable development of the Flemington area in Balbriggan.
Balbriggan is a well-established and fast-growing residential location with a proven sales record among first-time buyers and growing families in particular. The subject site is located close to Balbriggan town centre and its full range of retail, educational and recreational amenities. These include Millfield Shopping Centre, Gaelscoil Bhaile Brigín, Balbriggan Educate Together and Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan Football Club, Balbriggan Rugby Club, Balbriggan Golf Club, and O’Dwyers GAA.
Balbriggan is a long-established residential commuter town and is well connected by road and rail to Dublin city centre and to Belfast.
The subject property is held freehold and is being offered for sale at a guide price of €18.75 million, with best and final bids due on Wednesday, June 11th.
Ronald Quinlan is Property Editor of The Irish Times
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Images of how the outside of the swimming pool in Balbriggan might look
Sarah BurkeMon 31 Mar 2025 at 15:03Fingal County Council has announced plans to build a new €10m public swimming pool in Balbriggan
Balbriggan holds the distinction of being the country’s youngest large town
25-metre pool will be located at Castlelands
and has now entered the preliminary design and planning stages
It is expected that the planning application will be submitted by the end of this year
with construction potentially beginning by the end of 2026
The new swimming pool will include a changing village
It will be situated south of the Link Road
opposite the site of a proposed new school
has already developed preliminary plans for the facility
The project is part of Fingal County Council’s broader €54-57m Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme
aimed at transforming the town and addressing the needs of its diverse
The call for a public swimming pool was highlighted in a 2019 survey by Balbriggan.ie
which sought to prioritise developments for the town’s future
This was further reinforced by a 2024 study that reached out to local teenagers
emphasising the demand for such a facility
fastest growing and most diverse populations in Ireland,” he said
“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
described the facility as a major step forward in the town’s ongoing transformation
“Fingal County Council has long been aware of the need for a public swimming pool in Balbriggan,” she said
“We will plan well to deliver a very significant facility for the people of the town and surrounding areas
“The announcement is another significant milestone in our ambition to redevelop Balbriggan and represents further significant investment in the town by Fingal County Council,” she added
In addition to the new indoor swimming pool
Fingal County Council is also exploring the possibility of a tidal swimming pool for the area
though that project is expected to take five to seven years to complete
The council commissioned a €50,000 feasibility study for the coastal pool in 2022
but further reports and environmental studies are needed before a clear timeline can be established
CamogieA short story from Dublin and Kilkenny – ‘We appreciate the tradition of the game but skorts are not fit for purpose’It’s the short story that has everyone talking
Seán McCárthaighWed 30 Apr 2025 at 15:50Tragic details of how a married couple in their 40s from north Dublin died from drug overdoses less than a month apart from each other last year have been revealed at an inquest
Shaun McGuckin (46) ) a father of one of Pinewood Green Road
Co Dublin was found unresponsive on a sofa in his family home by his mother shortly before lunchtime on April 12
A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court heard that Mr McGuckin had formally identified the body of his wife
to gardaí at the same address less than a month earlier
who was aged 40 and came originally from Lucan
had been found unresponsive in bed by her husband on March 14
told the hearing that her brother-in-law had been “absolutely heartbroken” by the death of his wife at such a young age and had been attending grievance counselling at the time of his death
said he had been “terribly upset” about his wife’s passing and had “sobbed all night” the evening before his own death
Ms McGuckin said her son had not slept for weeks since Róisín had died and had taken two sleeping tablets that night
She described how she was waiting for a maintenance man to call to her home on April 12
2024 and shouted out for her son to let him in when she heard a knock on the door at around 12.45pm
The inquest heard Ms McGuckin found him asleep on the sofa and got the maintenance man to help her when she could not wake him
A neighbour who was alerted to the scene also provided assistance in carrying out CPR on the deceased before an ambulance crew arrived at the house
Garda Conor Burns said Ms McGuckin had expressed no concerns about her son to gardaí apart from the passing of his partner
He noted that she had also informed him that he had past issues with drugs
The inquest heard that Mr McGuckin was on methadone and had sought medication and access to counselling for a low mood just two days before his death from his family doctor
A postmortem on his body showed that the deceased had chronic lung disease and high levels of methadone and pregabalin (a painkiller) with evidence also of some cocaine
attributed the cause of death to exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and emphysema and methadone toxicity
In reply to concern raised by his sister-in-law
Dr Keane said there was no evidence to suggest his death was intentional
The coroner also heard how Mr McGuckin had found his wife unresponsive in their bed at around 11.30 on March 14
Evidence was heard that he had dialled 999 when he was unable to wake her and had tried giving her CPR before paramedics arrived at their home
Garda Conall Harkin told the hearing that there was nothing disturbed or out of the ordinary at the scene
He recalled being informed by Mr McGuckin that his wife had been “in good form” before going to bed and had not taken any drugs
Dr Keane noted that the deceased’s medical notes showed she had a history of seizures which were possibly linked to not taking her methadone medication
A postmortem showed that Ms McGuckin had a high level of methadone in her body as well as several types of benzodiazepines
The coroner observed that the combination of such drugs would have completely depressed the deceased’s respiratory system
Recording verdicts of misadventure in relation to both deaths
Dr Keane remarked that the four weeks after Ms McGuckin’s death must have been “horrendous” for her husband
Offering her condolences to relatives of the couple
the coroner added: “The tragedy is always for those left behind.”
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The group show Weaving Threads of Heritage opens 12 April at Ardgillan Castle
Petra Skyvova slipped on a pair of white gloves and opened a grey vintage suitcase
someone had written the name of the town’s old hosiery manufacturer
Around her in a quiet section of Balbriggan Library
students studied and people browsed bookshelves
Skyvova delicately emptied out the case’s contents: a plethora of products made in the factory
There was a pair of brown silk stockings with a black and gold badge reading “Balbriggan Fingalette”
There was an orange cotton top with a striped black collar
folded into packaging that featured photographs of women sitting
she produced three leather-bound catalogues with rectangular samples of black cotton
into which someone had stitched elaborate patterns
until the entire desk was covered by these vintage samples
This collection of products manufactured by the factory are in her custody as she puts together an arts exhibition, Weaving the Threads of Heritage
Due to show in Ardgillan Castle between 12 April and 11 May
the exhibition brings together eight local artists
who will interpret these items to create works that reflect on Balbriggan’s heritage
“Because these stockings and its textile production used to be very well known.”
But around the world, in the 19th and 20th centuries, a “balbriggan” meant a finely knitted cotton fabric
“Look it up in the English language dictionary in lowercase
It featured photographs of the factory workers going about their duties in the old factory on Railway Street
including an introduction written by the author Brinsley McNamara
Yet everyone has come to know the difference sooner or later,” he wrote
“That is why there can be only one place of the name
And that name has come to mean only one thing
Like how sparkling wine can only be referred to as champagne if it is produced in the Champagne region
a pair of balbriggans could only come from this place
Skyvova says as she holds a pair of stockings in her gloved hands
and the cotton they produced here was so fine and luxurious that it was recognisably unique,” she says
It showed a black and white picture of a stern Rasputin-looking man named Thomas Mangan
and his eyes were wide enough to distract from his long
“This gentleman was a third generation weaver,” she says
“He was extremely well-known and skilled.”
Mangan was personally recognised by Queen Victoria I for his work
signed by Victoria here in the courthouse.”
The whereabouts of the picture of the queen are currently unknown
“This is an analogue photograph of the actual image in the frame.”
The adoration for the fabric travelled all over the world
with its name remaining in the popular lexicon until about the 1970s
Four American women were riding the train from Dublin to Belfast
It was like seeing a town called Weetabix.”
One urban myth that Sorensen has been investigating for years is an alleged deleted line of dialogue from the 1950 John Ford-directed western Rio Grande
Lieutenant Colonel Kirby York is believed to have insisted that he couldn’t go without his balbriggans
“I’ve got people to look through all the scripts
But I’ve never been able to track it down.”
The layout of Railway Street today has been built around the old Smyth and Co
Its buildings are situated on both sides of the street that leads out of the train station
with the facades still decorated to preserve its legacy
The old signs are still mounted to the walls out on the street
announcing that it was established in 1780
and earned medals at exhibitions the world over: London in 1862
Mounted to the walls along the street in more recent years are large
blown-up black and white photographs of the factory in its heyday
showing workers in long white coats on the production line
That heritage trail is the work of Petra Skyvova
The factory ceased production in 1980
“It went into liquidation and the machinery was all sold.”
In the mid-1990s, one of the factory’s buildings was repurposed as a series of artist’s studios, known as Sunlight Studios
and one of the contributors to Skyvova’s show
around the corner from the library in The Window print studios on Dublin Street
“I came to Balbriggan because of the studios.”
When Skyvova came in to visit Celis in The Window
the artist was setting out a few of the works she was developing for the group show
Celis had taken as her subject matter different details from the items in Skyvova’s suitcase collection
etching into the surfaces of square blocks of wood larger versions of the leafy silk embroidery patterns
old logos and styles of lettering used by the company
and a handwritten index contained in one of the old catalogues
“I’m filling up the grooves with a powder coat paint.”
The paint gives each of their surfaces a cloudy patina
to convey the feeling that these works have been weathered by decades and centuries
Celis had also created layers of lettering
with some fonts appearing only faintly underneath others
She wanted to pay homage to how much thought the company gave to its lettertypes
“Some of these letter types were imprinted with gold into some material and textiles.”
Liz Comerford wandered through The Window studio on Saturday
searching for the various one-of-a-kind art books that she had created
Comerford too had worked as an artist in the old factory
but didn’t pay much attention to its history.”
who learned much of the craft from watching YouTube tutorials
she was in the early stages of a project to hand-make 100 different books
“These are books like a dragon-scale book and pop-up books.”
The dragon-scale book was one Comerford was concocting for the exhibition
It was in the shape of an elongated female leg
modelled on the wooden planks cut to fit a stocking for display
Laid out on a desk in the studio was this book
with each of its pages designed to fold out to resemble scales
comprised of nature and bird-like abstract illustrations
with found objects like a small elastic fastener for an undergarment fixed onto coarse pieces of hand-made paper
finely illustrated branch of a hawthorn tree
“It is very reminiscent of the veins that go through your leg,” she says
“And the leg is the thing that attracted me to this
“I thought it would be the embroidered patterns
“Some of my books are nothing but patterns.”
but also how this heritage continues to influence the town
While she and seven other artists will have pieces on display
she also wants to display some of the actual items from the factory
putting works of art and craft side by side
“I want artists to be able to use artefacts in a different way
rather than having it sitting in a museum.”
There are so many items that sit in the archives of museums
“So I want to see how it speaks to you today.”
Michael Lanigan is a reporter at Dublin Inquirer
You can reach him at michael@dublininquirer.com
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Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian & Cycle Route in Balbriggan was officially opened today by Mayor of Fingal
in the presence of Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate
This project is a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity and promoting active travel in Balbriggan.
The contract for Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian & Cycle Route was awarded to Jon’s Civil Engineering Co
Key features of the €16m upgrade include a 3km-long
well-lit and fully segregated pedestrian and cycle route
designed to promote confidence and safety when walking
Other improvements include 13 safe controlled crossing points
new zebra and toucan crossings as well as signage and road markings to indicate shared space for cyclists.
Balbriggan is home to one of Ireland’s youngest populations and this project provides increased connectivity in the Balbriggan area
The schools served by the new route are: St Molaga’s SNS
Ardgillan Community College and Gaelscoil Bhaile Brigín
The project offers enhanced accessibility and encourages children and their parents to choose active travel as their main form of transport.
said: “The Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian and Cycle Route will enhance the active travel network for Balbriggan
By providing a cycle-link connecting the six local schools along the route
it encourages the local school users to embrace a greener alternative to get to and from school safely
I can appreciate how the well-designed and inclusive cycling route creates a safer environment for the community to enjoy their beautiful town.”
Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate
stated: “This project represents a significant milestone in our commitment to promoting active travel
By encouraging walking and cycling as sustainable transport options
we are fostering lifelong healthy habits as well as reducing emissions
The Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian & Cycle Route will benefit Balbriggan and its surrounding areas for generations to come.”
This project is aligned with Fingal County Council’s Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan
which was recently updated and extended out to 2030. It sets out an ambitious new vision to transform and improve Balbriggan by revitalizing and creating a unique and sustainable public open space.
Chief Executive at Fingal County Council said: ‘‘The Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian & Cycle Route connects six schools along the 3km route
as well as offering a safe cycling and walking route to shops
childcare facilities and community amenities including Millpond Park
The route will make travelling by Active Travel in Balbriggan safer and more convenient
It is another substantial infrastructure investment in Balbriggan that will have long-term benefits for the community’’.
The newly completed Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian & Cycle Route delivers many positive benefits including less traffic congestion
reduced impact on the environment and the promotion of healthier communities
Extensive landscaping was undertaken as part of the project
featuring the planting of trees and hedgerows
This new greenery not only enhances the aesthetic value of the route but also plays a key role in improving air quality and biodiversity
The route creates welcoming opportunities for residents to connect with each other and take pride in their community.
Transport Planning and Investment at the National Transport Authority said: “We’re delighted to see the launch of the Harry Reynold’s Road Pedestrian & Cycle Route
Designed with accessibility and safety at its core
we are creating a route that is safer and more inclusive for everyone
This project represents a significant step forward in making Balbriggan’s streets safer and more welcoming for all road users."
said people from Balbriggan and beyond would enjoy what he described as a ‘wonderful facility’
“It is fantastic to see this step in the right direction to get more people active
and incentivise them to make more trips by bike,” said Dr Begg
“I know it will help non-cyclists rediscover the joy of cycling
encourage people to choose cycling ahead of getting in their car
college and work in a safer environment.”
the wonderful community of Balbriggan will gather for a spectacular
illuminated procession through the streets of the town and onto the beach.
the wonderful community of Balbriggan will gather for a spectacular
illuminated procession through the streets of the town and onto the beach
Balbriggan is one of Europe’s most diverse towns and is expanding into a vibrant hub of creative expression and life
Performers from Luxe Landscape Theatre Company will be joined by community groups at the Lark Concert Hall
they will carry lanterns together from the Lark
gather with the community at George’s Square at 6pm and in a powerful and emotive performance
before bringing everyone on a processional journey down Mill street to a celebration on the beach
All are welcome to join in this family-friendly event to celebrate the return of Spring with a celebration of light
and the coming together of this wonderful and beautifully diverse community
This breathtaking procession was developed through a collaboration between Creative Fingal
This demonstrates how the Creative Ireland Programme delivers through collaboration and partnership to promote understanding and appreciation of the value of creativity in all its forms
It is a wonderful and unique opportunity to celebrate community and creativity and to mark the celebration of Lá Fhéile Bríde
Balbriggan Library has been recognised for the consistent and innovative work that goes into making the library a champion for inclusion and welcome
Fingal Libraries is delighted to announce that Balbriggan Library has been awarded a Library of Sanctuary by Places of Sanctuary Ireland
making Fingal the first local authority in Dublin to receive this award
Following the submission of an extensive portfolio
Balbriggan Library was recognised for the consistent and innovative work that goes into making the library a champion for inclusion and welcome
The award is particularly special as it means it becomes the first public library in Dublin to receive such a status
At the award ceremony Deputy Mayor of Fingal
JK Onwumereh remarked: “The ethnically diverse population of Balbriggan makes the local Library an ideal candidate for such a prestigious award
They have created a community of welcome for all
or any type of marginalised groups living in the town”
Veronica Crosbie from Places of Sanctuary Ireland presented the Library of Sanctuary award to the Deputy Mayor and the staff at Balbriggan Library at a celebration which took place in Ireland's youngest town
Among the attendees were local agencies such as Cairde Balbriggan
and the students of Bremore Educate Together Secondary School
Veronica Crosbie commented: “Balbriggan Library demonstrates a commitment to supporting refugees and international protection applicants
We are delighted to include the library in our growing network of places working hard to combat racism and foster inclusive communities where everyone can flourish.”
County Librarian of Fingal Libraries added: “This award is testament to the hard work and enthusiasm displayed by the staff at Balbriggan Library
Fingal Libraries strive to strengthen and support communities by providing a dynamic
I would like to take this opportunity to personally congratulate them on this wonderful achievement.”
Places of Sanctuary Ireland complemented Balbriggan Library on their “brilliant and very attractive portfolio”
The evidence in their application clearly showed how the library has embedded the sanctuary principles of learn
and share into the heart of library life by: collaborating with local community groups
stocking a collection of silent (wordless) picture books for children
information leaflets translated in multiple languages
access to a range of digital services to enhance literacy
Discover more about Places of Sanctuary Ireland: https://ireland.cityofsanctuary.org/about
as Lead Partner of the Urbact EcoCore Project is delighted to announce an exciting Innovation Challenge/Hackathon in collaboration with Smart Balbriggan.
creativity and impact with exciting learning and networking opportunities
The EcoCore Project is one of 30 approved networks under the URBACT IV programme
URBACT's mission is to enable cities to work together and develop integrated solutions to common urban challenges by networking
learning from each other's experiences and identifying good practices
Fingal County Council is proud to be the first local authority in Ireland to lead an URBACT network
The EcoCore includes partners from Dubrovnik (Croatia)
All the partner cities are located along strategic transport corridors and the cities are working together to advance the green transition
The EcoCore Project aims to build the capacity of small cities
in addressing climate change by promoting sustainable economic development
the green transition and helping local stakeholders
in transitioning to low-carbon energy sources and promoting sustainable mobility options
The EcoCore Network aims to create significant momentum for a green energy transition in each of the partner cities with a particular focus on the industrial areas of the cities
said: “The EcoCore Project is an exciting project for Balbriggan
We are proud to be the first Local Authority in Ireland to lead an Urbact Project and strengthen collaboration with European partners. Sustainable development is at the heart of the Fingal Development Plan and with the EcoCore Project the Council continues to take a future-focused
climate conscious approach to economic development and local job creation in Balbriggan.”
The Balbriggan Innovation Challenge allows like-minded individuals passionate about sustainability
the green economy with a passion for the Circular Economy to make a contribution to the EcoCore Project and developing a greener future for the citizens of Balbriggan
The Challenge affords a unique opportunity for individuals/teams to innovate
using their unique skills to develop ideas around the green and circular economy
with a prize fund of €2,500 available to further develop and implement the successful ideas.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Brian McDonagh said “The Balbriggan Innovation Challenge is fantastic opportunity for Fingal County Council to engage and collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders to deliver the sustainability objectives
such as leading on the Just Transition to Net Zero and promoting a climate resilient economy
which are featured in the Council’s Future Fingal Economic Development Strategy
The Hackathon also advances the Council’s commitments as a signatory to the Circular Cities Declaration by exploring ideas to embed the circular economy in Fingal
I’m excited to see what ideas come out of the Hackathon”
Join us on November 8th for a full day of innovation
through the process of taking an idea from concept to reality
working with a team to develop practical solutions for real-world problems in the climate and circular economy space at our Balbriggan Innovation Challenge
Full details are available on the attached Balbriggan Innovation Challenge - The EcoCore Hackathon Tickets, Fri 8 Nov 2024 at 08:00 | Eventbrite
Conor will be very sadly missed by his heartbroken parents
extended family and a wide circle of great friends and neighbours
Reposing at his home on Friday 21st March from 4pm to 8pm
Balbriggan arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial in Flemington Cemetery
Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Saturday via the following link -
https://www.balbrigganparish.com/web-camera
It’s the preferred option to make the local segment of the Fingal Coastal Way greenway project work
Fingal County Council is looking at rolling out a permanent one-way system in Balbriggan as part of its planned coastal greenway project
On 10 April at the Balbriggan/ Rush-Lusk/ Swords Area Committee
Labour Councillor Brendan Ryan had asked how the Fingal Coastal Way would impact on traffic flows in the coastal town
The greenway is expected to start in Newbridge Demesne in Donabate
and track about 32 km up to the county border
The route through Balbriggan is intended to travel up from Skerries via the R127 road
it would run along Seapoint next to the town’s harbour
The council expects to submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanála in 2026 for the greenway
That will include a one-way system connecting in with the adjacent €15 million Quay Street plaza project
As part of that project, being led by Our Balbriggan, the local rejuvenation scheme, the council intends to make permanent its temporary traffic arrangements on Quay Street, according to a report by council senior engineer Linda Lally and Ryan
Two-way traffic between Quay Street and the junction of High Street would no longer be permitted
But must Seapoint become one-way for the greenway to actually work
“Will planning for the Fingal Coastal Way to the An Bord Pleanála include changes to traffic flows to Seapoint?”
he said these present a one-way system that will continue down the R127 to the new bridge planned in Castlelands
Would all those traffic-flow changes be a part of the greenway
or are they going to be dealt with separately
“If residents like the idea of the Fingal Coastal Way
said Seapoint has to be one-way to minimise the number of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) that Fingal would have to carry out to build the coastal way
we save a lot of road space and then we can make it work,” Van Wyk said
they would need to CPO all the properties along the route to get more land to make the coastal way viable
adding that all of this will be done through the council’s planning application to An Bord Pleanála
the greenway was supposed to go through Hampton Cove and the Bower
but the new bridge at Castleland allowed the council to look at more options
with the least amount of CPO will be to make Seapoint one-way.”
Locals will be able to share their input on all this when the coastal way plans go out for public consultation
the council is also engaging with Dublin Bus to consider how this scheme will impact bus routes
said that if changing the flow of traffic in Balbriggan is being done purely to save money on CPOs
that’s hardly the right frame of mind considering this could all affect locals using buses
I urge everyone involved in this project to think again,” he said
The reason for coming along Seapoint is because if they went through Hampton Cove and the Bower
they would be going through the open green space in that area
“The CPO issue is around the extent of the one-way system.”
That goes back to the bus services as well
which the council is discussing with the National Transport Authority
“The last thing we want to do is in any way negatively impact the public transport services.”
Doing fewer CPOs and a one-way system would certainly make the project a lot easier
But the council is looking at many options here
The NTA is also going to be reassessing the Dublin Bus routes in Balbriggan
“They haven’t looked at that in a couple of years.”
We have flagged to them the possibility of the R127 becoming one-way
Balbriggan on Saturday 12th April 2025 from 2pm to 4pm
Removal on Monday morning to the Church of SS
Balbriggan arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial in St
The Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Monday morning 14th April at 11am via the following link
Church Link Here
CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday
the Fingal community still has an opportunity to make the most of the warmer weather as the Balbriggan Beach Festival gets underway this weekend.
this year’s fest will once again transform the bustling beachfront into a hub of sports
This free-to-attend festival – organised by the Fingal Sports Office – kicks off from midday with Ireland’s youngest town welcoming locals and visitors alike to soak up the sun and enjoy an action-packed day of events
will be hosting thrilling come and try sessions
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a curious beginner
there's an opportunity for everyone to get involved and have fun
visitors can look forward to classic beach activities such as Tug of War
a drumming session hosted by the Balbriggan’s Institute of Music and Song will keep the energy high and the beats flowing
The festival will also feature an Information Village where local clubs and community groups will be on hand to share information about their activities and the great work being done in the town
It’s an opportunity to learn more about what’s available in Balbriggan and to join community members
On the main stage there is a dynamic lineup of live performances and fitness sessions to suit all levels
Fitness instructors such as Ciuin Wellness
and Seanie Smyth from MindYourself365 will lead engaging fitness sessions that are sure to get everyone moving
Festival-goers will also be able to enjoy performances by local bands and groups in between fitness sessions
with the likes of Toy Show favourite DJ Calum Kieran taking to the stage to energise the crowd and support the vibrant Colour Dash
which will fill the beach with colour and sound
The day will culminate in a high-energy set from SPIN 1038 DJ Marty Guilfoyle
ensuring the festival runs smoothly and keeps guests entertained from start to finish
who will be Acting Mayor of Fingal on the day
says: ‘We are lucky to live next to such a great place of leisure as Balbriggan beach offers us
The annual Balbriggan Beach Festival is special for getting people together from right across the local community
and encourages everyone to give a new activity a go in a fun setting
There’s also an opportunity for people to get more involved with clubs in the area and learn about what’s on offer all year round.”
For anyone planning on taking part in the massively fun colour dash
we ask that participants to take their rubbish home or use bins provided
We want to keep Fingal beautiful for everyone.
For more information and updates about the Balbriggan Beach Festival, please visit Fingal County Council Sports Office Facebook Page.
Reposing at the family home on Clonard Street on Thursday 10th April from 4pm-8pm. Removal Friday 11th to St Peter and Paul's Church, Balbriggan, for 11am Funeral Mass burial thereafter in St. Peter's and Paul's Cemetery, Balbriggan.
Those who cannot make the funeral mass, please leave a personal message for the family below marked "Condolences".
MC MAHON, John Francis – 12th March 2025, late of Knocknagin, Balbriggan. Predeceased by his daughter Angela and his two brothers Terry and Patrick.Beloved brother of Anthony and Julia and Sister in law Pam.John will be sadly missed by his loving family Anne, Sean, Jim, Evelyn, Anne-Patricia, Ross and David.His sons-in- law, daughters-in-law, his 14 grandchildren and all his extended family and friends.
Reposing at his home in Knocknagin Road, Balbriggan on Sunday 30th March from 4pm to 8pm. Removal on Monday 31st March to S.S. Peter & Paul’s Church, Balbriggan arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial in Saint Peter and Paul's Cemetery, Balbriggan.
Donate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday
Kit will be sadly and forever missed by his wife Jean
and a wide circle of wonderful neighbours and friends; especially those in Pitch & Putt and The Labour Party
Balbriggan on Saturday afternoon April 5th from 3.30pm to 5pm
Followed by removal on Saturday evening to the Church SS
followed by burial in Balscadden Cemetery
The Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Monday morning 7th April at 11am via the following link
CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday, memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one.
Rip.ie, The Irish Times Building, 24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
A murder investigation is underway after a man's body was found in Balbriggan.
Gardaí and emergency services rushed to the scene late last night, where the man in his 70s was found unresponsive. He was declared dead at the scene.
A man in his 20s has since been arrested, and a garda spokesperson has confirmed an investigation's underway:
"Gardaí in Balbriggan are investigating all the circumstances around the death of a man following an incident in Tobersool, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, which occurred on the evening of Thursday 12th December 2024. Shortly after 11.20pm, Gardaí and emergency services attended a residence in Tobersool, near Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, where a man in his 70’s was found unresponsive. He was declared deceased the scene.
A male (20’s) was arrested in connection with the investigation, and is currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at a Garda Station in the Co. Dublin area. The office of the State Pathologist has been notified, and a post-mortem examination will be arranged. The scene is preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau," they added.
A senior investigating officer has been appointed as part of the investigation. An incident room has been established at Balbriggan Garda Station.
Gardaí are also appealing for anyone with information, or dash-cam footage to come forward:
"Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were in the Tobersool, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, area between 10pm and 11.20pm on Thursday 12th December 2024.Additionally, individuals with video recordings, including motorists with dash cams, from the area within the timeframe are asked to provide footage to investigating Gardaí."
"Investigations are ongoing," they added.
A trainee solicitor has been charged with the murder of his father, who was found stabbed to death in his Dublin home
Scott George, a finance academic and married father of two in his 70s with adult children, was found dead at the detached house on Thursday night at Tobersool Lane, near Balbriggan
Dáire McCormack-George (29) was remanded in custody with an order that he receive immediate psychiatric care after appearing before Judge William Aylmer at Dublin District Court on Saturday morning
He was charged with the murder of Scott George contrary to common law
The District Court does not have jurisdiction to consider bail in a murder case, which requires an application to be brought before the High Court
Mr McCormack-George is a PhD holder, a graduate of Trinity College Dublin
and a published author with expertise in European law
he sat silently with his arms folded and legs crossed during the brief hearing but did not address the court
Garda Ultan McElroy told the court he arrested the accused for the purpose of charge at Balbriggan station at 10.42pm on Friday and the charge was put to him at 11.28pm
The court heard he was cautioned in the usual manner
and he “made no reply” to the charge and was handed a true copy
Defence solicitor Danny Nolan then moved two applications
He said his client was a trainee solicitor
but due to the seriousness of the alleged offence
Mr Nolan said Mr McCormack-George had been diagnosed with mental health issues and would be grateful if he received a visit from a prison psychologist. “He has prescribed medication which he has not received in a number of days and he is anxious to receive it,” Mr Nolan said.
The judge remanded Mr McCormack-George in custody to appear via video link at Cloverhill District Court on Friday.
Furthermore, he directed that the accused would receive immediate psychiatric assessment and treatment that may be required while in prison.
designed by Stephen Foley Architects + CAMPUS and built by Vision Contracting for the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS)
balances artistic excellence with sustainability and historical context
The Lark Theatre and Concert Hall in Balbriggan
is a 400-seat venue built by Vision Contracting for the Irish Institute of Music and Song
the delivery of this state-of-the-art facility exemplifies collaboration between the client
live campus located within a residential and business community
required timed truck movements to minimise disruption
The facility uses renewable energy as much as possible
The client’s brief was clear that the new concert hall was not to increase the IIMS’s carbon footprint
This was achieved through collaborative and innovative design with measures that include advanced lighting control strategies
a building automation and control system (BACS) integrated into electrical infrastructure
strategically placed heat recovery units and rainwater harvesting
Designed by Stephen Foley Architects for Michael Dawson and the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS)
the Lark Theatre seamlessly integrates into a historic campus
repurposing and refurbishing a 1960s nursing home on site for backstage facilities
The project team had to consider the adjacent historic Bedford House (1750)
These buildings and on-site cottages have served as the town’s nursing home since the 1960s
The theatre is directly connected to Bedford House
The 400-seat auditorium offers a versatile space for performances ranging from orchestral concerts to intimate solo shows
The building’s striking design features a pleated concrete and granite facade
the theatre boasts an A3-BER certification and employs eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting
The project team optimised construction efficiency and minimised waste using BIM
Stephen Foley Architects’ design breaks up the theatre’s 21x21x12 metre cubed form with a series of pleated concrete granite-clad walls and a multi-pitched roof sloping from 11 metres down to 9 metres
To achieve the necessary auditorium reverberation
the hall’s roof was set as high as possible and drops at the building’s edge
responding to the scale of the surrounding streets
The hall’s ceiling is pleated to reflect the sound to the back of the audience
and grooved acoustic panelling is used for diffusion
This sets up the project’s leitmotif as pleats are used to make up the elevations
breaking up the volume clad in granite slabs
the angled façade helps reflect sound around the music classrooms located on the western side elevation
The second-floor rehearsal space expresses the shape of the roof and has an opening looking back into the hall with acoustic curtains connecting the two spaces
The lobby and reception area are on the north elevation
The windows on this façade are more expansive
and the view is framed from the vertical circulation
Visitors are brought to a balcony which looks through a two-storey window towards the centre of the town on the way up to their seats and given a view towards the sea through a large picture window as they leave the performance space
collaborated to design the auditorium with optimised sound reverberation
Bespoke sound-diffusing treatments and a variable acoustic system ensure optimal sound quality
Automated lighting and a flexible stage system enhance performance capabilities
All internal surfaces were optimised for sound reverberation
featuring bespoke sound-diffusing treatments
including high-quality individually splayed oak panels and low-frequency treatments on the upper walls and ceilings
A variable acoustic system allows acoustic banners to be deployed to reduce reverberation as needed
is fully automated and integrated with the IT network
allowing synchronised sound and lighting during performances
The stage area includes an automated lift system with dual spiral drives
housed within a Grade 3 in-situ concrete basement
The auditorium is directly linked to a ‘plug & play’ live broadcast and recording studio within the building
enabling media platforms to simply plug outside broadcast vehicles into the building
A ventilation system includes a fresh-air air handling unit (AHU) incorporating variable speed drive (VSD) fans
and reduces energy use by recovering heat from extracted air and adjusting fan speeds based on demand
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) further enhances energy savings by providing fresh air to each seat without increasing the heating load
equipped with occupancy and daylight sensors
ensures that lights are only on when needed and when natural light is insufficient
Vision Contracting construction director Mick Allen explains that there was an increase of €1.6M between the initial budget of €9.2M and the final budget of €10.8M
He comments: “This had been expected as the specifications for the building had not been finalised when we came on board under the ECI programme
Our expertise and experience in managing complex construction programmes minimised the risk from new specifications and contained the impact of massive materials cost inflation.”
The build was logistically challenging having to facilitate the client’s live educational campus
This prompted the use of off-site construction with precast cores and extensive light gauge Kingspan RMG600 metal decking on a structural steel frame
Vision Contracting project manager John Healy points out that the works programme within a live campus required careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption while limited space for material storage necessitated careful delivery scheduling and off-site manufacturing
“The works programme within the active campus environment required careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption to daily operations
The limited space available for storing materials necessitated a well-defined delivery schedule and a focus on off-site manufacturing whenever feasible,” John Healy says
He continues: “We utilised precast cores and metal decking to minimise disruption on the live campus
We used bottom-driven mini-piles for the groundworks to protect surrounding structures and reduce noise
The site limitations also resulted in the use of integrated secant-piled soil retaining structures to support the adjacent historic building.”
The Lark Concert Hall boasts strong sustainability credentials
It incorporates a range of low- and zero-carbon features
communications and switch room within the existing rear annexe building instead of the basement
thus significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the new building
the carbon saving for these service rooms (50sq m) alone was 37,500 kg CO2
Concrete supplied by O’Reilly Concrete utilised up to 30% GGBS
The supplier recycles all water used in production
offsetting their carbon production by planting trees
The steel framing system used inside the auditorium was manufactured by Steel Formed Sections
a Monaghan-based manufacturer that employs certified sustainable and clean production processes
A rainwater harvesting system collects runoff from the roof
and uses it for toilet flushing and other non-potable needs
The Lark’s success hinged on achieving a high-performance building envelope
Through the use of BIM and with insulation incorporated off-site in most cases
an A3 BER certification was achieved with the following u-values:
– Precast ground floors U-value: .15W/ m2K
– High-performance double-glazed curtain wall windows
– Air permeability 50 Pa: 4.6 m3/(hm2) – Primary space & water heating from air to water heat pumps with gas boiler backup
Vision Contacting is meticulous in managing on-site health and safety on all projects
comprehensive PSCS Plans and Risk Assessments were completed before work commenced
identifying hazards and implementing control measures
This was carried out using the company’s ISO Certified Management Systems (14001
Vision also used lean practices and criteria to manage on-site safety
Pedestrian and traffic management plans were in place for the adjacent live campus
and Vision Contracting engaged with the local community
Vision Contracting’s EHS Manager Glen Cowley explains: “All subcontractors provided detailed Safe Work Method Statements and Risk Assessments for their work elements
Our EHS team coordinated all people movements and access/egress on site and ensured hazards were identified and requisite actions were taken
“We take H&S monitoring on site very seriously
Every subcontractor was inducted and signed in before accessing the site
Any EHS team observations were digitally recorded and shared with relevant persons
This improved efficiency and ensured excellent safety performance with no time-lost incidents recorded.”
a specialist scaffolding firm designed and installed a safe platform system for installing brackets
Vision Contracting’s commitment to safety resulted in a project with zero lost-time incidents
and site walk-throughs ensured adherence to safe work practices
The Lark topped the poll in the ‘Public Choice’ category of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Irish Architecture Awards
Organisers said the overwhelming support for the project reflects its outstanding contribution to the built environment and its resonance with the community
comments on the project: “The Lark is a significant milestone for the town of Balbriggan
embodying an ambitious vision that required a contractor capable of overseeing its entire development
Vision Contracting not only grasped our vision but exceeded our expectations in constructing The Lark
“The entire project was executed in a very restricted area without generating a single complaint from the surrounding neighbours living in close proximity
“The Lark is a testament to the power of collaboration,” commented Mick Allen
“By working closely with the client and all stakeholders
including site visits to leading UK venues
we delivered a state-of-the-art concert hall
This project exemplifies the value of strong partnerships
and I am incredibly proud of the team’s contribution to this exceptional venue for the people of Balbriggan.”
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Key milestones have been reached on the €15m Balbriggan Quay Street and Harbour project
Work is progressing on the refurbishment of Balbriggan’s Quay Street and Harbour
Amy DonohoeWed 18 Sep 2024 at 13:47Key milestones have been reached on a €15m project aimed at transforming Balbriggan into “a high-quality public amenity and premier visitor destination”
The Balbriggan Quay Street and Harbour project will “create a unique
including a multi-purpose plaza area suitable for markets
chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group
said it’s an ambitious step in the town’s rejuvenation plan
“I am delighted the project is progressing
clearly demonstrated support for reimagining the harbour,” he said
lively waterfront plaza and linear park will promote tourism and significantly boost the town.”
said the development will provide an ideal central meeting place on the Fingal coast
“This is one of the most significant milestones in our ambition to redevelop Balbriggan and represents a major investment in the town,” she said
“This reimagined space is a symbol of the progress being made in the Our Balbriggan plan – one which was informed and shaped by the community
and which will provide a well-designed public place for people to not only enjoy
phase one has seen works at the Upper Town Centre Car Park at Mill Street commence and it will reopen at the end of October
including three universally accessible spaces
There will be 10 on-street car park spaces on Quay Street and four on-street spaces at Mill Street
or use public transport during the works if possible
maintained car parks are available through Fingal County Council at Bath Road (Martello Tower) and Bremore Castle during this period
Though site works have commenced at both these car parks
inconvenience to the public will be minimised and access will remain for school drop off and public parking at Bremore Castle
Fingal County Council is working with the local community
businesses and stakeholders to mitigate any negative impacts during all works
expected to be completed by the end of 2025
highlighted the new development’s importance to the local economy and community life in Balbriggan
“The enhancement of the Harbour will provide a new much needed high quality public focal point
as well as developing Balbriggan’s tourist offering,” he said
Work is due to begin on the main Bath Road car park after Bremore Castle Car Park and the overflow at Bath Road are completed by the end of November
Enhancement works to the Bracken River within the existing open space between Quay Street and Mill Street
increase planting and improve flood resilience along the riverbank
Work on replacing the toilet block with a modern facility
and the refurbishment of the RNLI boathouse
will begin in October and is expected to be complete in June 2025
Temporary toilets will be in place throughout construction
(peacefully) in Hamilton Park Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family
May will be sadly missed by her son Chris and daughter Donna
Balbriggan arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial in S.S
Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Thursday via the following link -
Nancy (née Willis) – 15th January 2025 (Balbriggan) and formerly of Dean Prior
surrounded by her loving family and in the wonderful care of staff at Beaumont Hospital
Beloved wife of Paul (Mully) and loving mother of Niall and Fergal
Reposing at her residence on Monday evening 20th January from 6pm to 8pm
Removal on Tuesday morning to the Church of Ss
Balbriggan arriving for Funeral Mass at 11 am followed by cremation in Glasnevin Crematorium at 13.30
donations if desired to Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
Donation Link Here
The Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Tuesday morning at 11am via the following link
The Crematorium Service will be streamed live on Tuesday afternoon at 13.30 pm via the following link
Crematorium Link Here
Funeral Service.css-h76uj{display:inherit;margin-right:-4px;margin-left:8px;}Cremation / BurialDate Published:
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Swords Court Office and Court are temporarily relocating to Balbriggan
All court matters will be heard in Balbriggan Courthouse from 2 September 2024 at 10.30am
The new temporary Swords and Balbriggan District Court public office will be located at: 2nd Floor Balbriggan Public Library
Those with any queries can contact the office at:
The Courts Service adds that the public office will be closed due to this relocation on Monday 19 August and Tuesday 20 August
Any urgent domestic-violence applications can be applied for in Dolphin House Family Law Courts
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Letterkenny hearing of Imram residency case
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surrounded by his loving family and in the wonderful care of staff at Beaumont Hospital
mother Marlow and predeceased by father Vincent
Reposing at his residence on Monday 13th January from 4pm to 8pm
Removal on Tuesday morning to the Church of SS
followed by cremation in Glasnevin Cemetery
The Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Tuesday morning
Church link here
The Crematorium Service will be streamed live on Tuesday afternoon at 13.00 pm via the following link
Crematorium link here
A design team is in place to oversee their refurbishment
Enormous foamy waves crashed against the lighthouse at the end of the harbour wall in Balbriggan on Tuesday morning
Below the viaduct that carries the railroad along the coast
construction workers were busily redeveloping the Quay Street parking area
They were fencing off portions of the street and the boat house under one of the viaduct’s towering arches
spritely wagtails and a few brave souls stripping down to their togs for a sea swim
the tide was coming up a slipway to where a pair of crumbling late 19th-century structures stand
Roofless and covered by a pale aqua tarpaulin, these are the town’s other boat house and an old lifeboat station, says Sean Keenan, chairperson of the Balbriggan Amenities for Sea Swimming (BASS)
and their most recent function was as a family’s summer house in the 1960s
the small single storey buildings went into disrepair
“And Fingal Council Council took ownership of [them].”
Now the council has plans for the two weathered structures
referred to locally as the boat house and bath house
In December, its local community rejuvenation organisation, Our Balbriggan, said the eventual plan is to re-open the houses for use by local water sports clubs
in a report at the most recent Balbriggan/Rush-Lusk/Swords Area Committee meeting on 16 January
a council official said a design team is in place to oversee their refurbishment
The boat and bath houses on King’s Strand were built in 1889, according to a 2021 conservation report for Bremore Park, written by Howley Hayes Architects
The two buildings are protected structures and originally had a long-wooden jetty
They fell into dereliction in the first half of the 20th century
before a family came and refurbished them 60 years ago
says local independent Councillor Grainne Maguire
All of that changed with the establishment of the Fingal Rowing Club in 2016
this would be an ideal opportunity for them to use it.’”
A lot of the club’s boats are currently being kept over in the Naul
“We’ve about five skiffs and a safety boat out there.”
They also have an enclosure up at the car park by the Martello Tower
but as they are looking to get a juvenile club going
having closer access to the water is preferable
Niall Keady launched a petition in July 2020
asking the council to revive the so-called bath house and its pier
the best bet was always going to be if they aimed to create a shared facility
“Getting as many groups involved would tick a few boxes.”
Groups like the 89th Bremore Scouts have also expressed an interest
“They were looking for a premises for their sea sports elements.”
Maguire had put the query into the council
asking if there was any timeline on the planned refurbishment and re-opening of the two houses
Declan Ryan, a senior executive officer in the council’s Economic, Enterprise, Tourism Cultural Development Department, confirmed that the process was in the pre-pre-planning stages
Surveys and screenings of proposals are due to be carried out between January and March
Ryan told councillors at the area committee meeting
The council is aiming to seek planning permission through the Part 8 process – when it applies to itself for permission for its own projects – between June and July
with works then planned from October until March 2026
No organisation has locked down either the boat or so-called bath house
But a few have been engaging with the council about possibly using them once construction is done
“Securing this boathouse would not only provide us with a much-needed
but it would also enable us to further engage with the community,” he said
The boathouse would also give the club a chance to preserve and promote the tradition of skiff rowing in the area
peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family
Niamh and Ruairí and adored grandad of Senan
Rory will be very sadly missed by his loving family - sisters Deirdre
extended family and wide circle of friends
Balbriggan arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial in Balrothery Cemetery
Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Thursday morning via the following link -
Daughter of the late Mary-Rose and Patrick
Sadly missed by her loving and devoted children Philomena
adored eighteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren
extended family and a large circle of friends
Removal Saturday to Dardistown crematorium for 12.30 Funeral Service
Family flowers only please, donations if desired to St. Francis Hospice. Please click on link to donate, also a donation box will be available at the crematorium. https://www.sfh.ie/donate/
Critical is expanding its presence in the Dublin area with the launch of a new Community First Responder (CFR) group in Balbriggan.
The new group, which is hoping to go live at the start of the summer, will respond to 999/112 calls including cardiac arrests, stroke, choking, and chest pain.
The Emergency Medical Response charity Critical is currently operational in 25 counties around the country.
Balbriggan CFR currently has 16 volunteers made up of Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), a nurse, First Aid Responders and people with no prior medical background or experience.
The group has completed the initial phase of training which involved the PHECC Cardiac First Responder community-level course. This foundational course is a requirement for all CFR groups in Ireland.
They plan to conduct a series of scenario-based training sessions to ensure all volunteers are thoroughly prepared to respond effectively to 999/112 emergency calls and handle the emergencies they are dispatched to.
Volunteer regional coordinator for Critical and a Paramedic with the National Ambulance Service, Adam Mathews, has been leading the training sessions with Balbriggan CFR.
He said: “The purpose of Balbriggan CFR, as is with all Critical CFR groups, is to strengthen the chain of survival for community members in their time of need.
"We started the group in November 2024 and I am delighted with the response from volunteers so far. Critical provides a life-saving service to so many communities around the country and it is great to know we will have a group of dedicated volunteers in Balbriggan to join the ever-growing Critical network.”
Chief executive of Critical, David Tighe, said: “Critical continues to grow and provide an invaluable service to communities thanks to the support we receive from the public through their donations and fundraising efforts.
"The charity relies heavily on public funding and it is important that this continues throughout 2025. We have plans to launch at least three new groups in the coming months and I would like to welcome Balbriggan CFR to our network. I wish them well as they prepare to go live alongside the National Ambulance Service.”
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Dublin 5 - 3rd November 2024 - (peacefully) in Beaumont Hospital
Eamonn will be sadly missed by his wife Frances
Reposing at his home on Wednesday 6th November
Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Thursday morning via the following link
surrounded by her loving family.Predeceased by her adoring husband William
Sandra will be very sadly missed by her daughters
Reposing at her residence on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th February
Removal on Thursday morning to the Church of SS
arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial in St
The Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Thursday morning 27th February 2025 at 11 am via the following link
Predeceased by his parents Billy and Peggy and his brother Jim
Beloved husband of Bernie and devoted father of Fiona
Gerry will be deeply missed by his loving family
Reposing in McNally’s Funeral Home on Monday 30th December from 3-5pm
Removal on Tuesday morning to the Church of SS Peter & Paul
followed by private family cremation service in Dardistown Crematorium
Gerry’s Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Tuesday morning
31st December at 11am via the following link:
https://www.balbrigganparish.com/web-camera
Published links are provided and managed by an independent Media provider.
The Funeral Home accepts no responsibility for functionality, the timing of a live broadcast or any interruption to a live broadcast.
Very sadly missed by his sisters Cherrie and Anne and brother-in-law Johnny
predeceased by his parents Richard and Delia and brothers Jim and Leo
Oliver will be dearly missed by all of his nieces
The Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Tuesday morning 25th February 2025 at 11 am via the following link
Fingal County Council has prepared a Draft Local Area Plan (LAP) for Flemington
This plan outlines a vision for the development of the area with a strong emphasis on long-term sustainability
and the protection of the natural environment
The Draft LAP aims to establish a vibrant new residential neighbourhood in Flemington
creating a sustainable community that is inclusive and accessible for people of all ages and abilities
The plan focuses on providing a wide range of housing options
and an urban environment that is easy to navigate and use for everyone
The Draft LAP documents are available for public viewing at the following locations during their respective opening hours:
The documents are also accessible online via the County Council’s portal at: https://consult.fingal.ie/en/browse
Fingal County Council is inviting submissions and observations on the Draft LAP from Tuesday
Members of the public can provide feedback through the following methods:
Submissions should be made by one medium only (online or in writing)
A public information event will take place at the Flemington Community Centre
Fingal County Council invites all interested members of the public and community groups to attend this event to learn more about the LAP and provide feedback
Alex will be sadly missed by his loving wife Anna
Balbriggan arriving for Funeral Mass 1.30pm followed by burial in Balrothery Cemetery
27th Infantry Battalion and National Archives)
Brendan will be deeply missed by his loving family
donations if desired to ILFA (the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association)
https://ilfa.ie/donate/
Reposing in McNally’s Funeral Home on Friday 3rd January from 5-7pm
Removal on Saturday morning to the Church of SS Peter & Paul
followed by burial in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery
Brendan's Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Saturday morning
4th January at 11am via the following link:
A 29-year-old apprentice solicitor has been charged with the murder of his father
who was found stabbed to death in his Dublin home
Scott George, a married father of two in his 70s, was found dead on Thursday night at Tobersool Lane
was brought before Dublin District Court this morning charged with murder
Garda Ultan McElroy of Balbriggan Garda Station gave evidence of arrest
Garda McElroy said Mr McCormack-George was charged with murder around 11.30pm last night
Defence Solicitor Danny Nolan said the 29-year-old had been diagnosed with a mental health issue and he requested a psychological evaluation
Judge William Aylmer granted him a psychiatric assessment and any treatment that may be required while he is in custody
He also granted Mr McCormack-George legal aid
Judge Aylmer remanded him in custody to Cloverhill Prison to appear in court again via video link on Friday 20 December
Main image: Garda at the scene of an incident in St Johnston where a woman in her 80s was fatally injured
Developed by Square1
and use the money to buy defibrillators and train first responders
Aidan Whelan heard someone half-joke that there are more defibrillators in Balbriggan than bins
He scratched his head and wondered where the defibrillators are in the town
sat at a corner table in the lounge of the Bracken Court Hotel
He also found more than 30 others listed in Balbriggan on the National Ambulance Service’s register and apps
But the research made him realise that they’re not placed strategically
Reading up, he learnt that more than 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home
He is now looking to fix this – to create a chain of defibrillators in Balbriggan that extends beyond main streets into housing estates
is to have one defibrillator every 420 metres
he wants to cash in on the deposit return scheme with a network of orange bins where Balbriggan residents can drop plastic bottles as a donation to the cause
community groups and residents’ associations are on board to host the bins
which he hopes could be reassigned later to support future community causes
A recent review of thousands of cases of cardiac arrest outside of hospitals by University College Dublin found that the highest rate of survival was in patients who had bystander defibrillation
Planting defibrillators across Balbriggan is one leg of Whelan’s effort to build a “chain of survival” across the town
He is also working to pull together volunteers to train as community first responders – those who could quickly get to a patient
and do CPR or shock them with a defibrillator
He is looking to work with the charity Critical on that
himself a filmmaker who works in IT and is also involved in community groups
Representatives of Critical will be at a public meeting
on the evening 23 October at the Seamus Murphy Senior Citizen Hall in Balbriggan to tell people more about how they work
said they have been setting up community first responder groups around Ireland for about 18 months now
and the benefits of a network of community first responders
“And to answer any of the questions that they have.”
A big benefit of being affiliated with Critical is that the charity helps with the bureaucracy
which is accredited by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council
“It gives a lay person who has never done it before to go from being very basic to having the knowledge to do good quality CPR.”
People are assessed by Critical and the National Ambulance Service to make sure that they have the confidence and competence to help before they become active
“It’s kind of everywhere needs them,” says Walsh
but there isn’t an ambulance on the corner of every road
If you have a group of responders – whether in a rural area
or in a town like Balbriggan – you have someone who can respond on your doorstep
“My motto is: the chain of survival starts with you,” says Walsh
Finding funding for the defibrillators has been a challenge
The idea is that labelled orange bins will be placed around Balbriggan
Any money from the deposits will go into a store account with supplier Smart Medical
Using the money from the deposit return scheme to fund community initiatives is gradually catching on
Re-turn, which operates the deposit return scheme, fundraises for six children’s charities with donation stations at major events
GAA clubs around the country are also trying to leverage returned bottles into cash for their teams
Whelan has parties in Balbriggan signed up to host bins
and two residents’ associations – New Haven Bay and Taylor Hill
Whelan says that he is conscious of possible competition
Other groups might understandably look to orange bins to fund their own Balbriggan projects
“We’re looking to reduce the critical issues in Balbriggan in terms of avoidable fatalities with medical supplies – such as defibrillators and life buoys.”
“The purpose could be there for anything.”
Lois Kapila is deputy editor at Dublin Inquirer
You can reach her at lois@dublininquirer.com
A second Ireland Ladies player has announced her International retirement.
Just days after Niamh Fahey announced her departure from the Ireland scene
Diane Caldwell has followed suit at the age of 36..
The Balbriggan-born defender-come-midfielder
finished with 102 appearances to her credit
dating back to 2006 when she made her senior debut aged 17
in the 5-1 victory over Albania in October 2023
She was also a past captain of the National team
although that didn't happen until 2022
Dublin – 30th November 2024 – (peacefully) at her home
Predeceased by her sisters Marie and Patricia
Kathleen will be deeply regretted and sadly missed by her sisters-in-law Theresa and Bernadette
https://mydonation.focusireland.ie
Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Friday morning via the following link -