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Collaboration is key within Fingal’s local Communities
Communities across Fingal are quietly demonstrating what can be achieved when people choose cooperation over isolation. From Balbriggan to Swords, Donabate to Malahide, collaboration has become more than a buzzword—it is a practical response to shared challenges.
At the heart of this collective effort is a recognition that no single group can address complex local issues alone. Whether it is tackling housing pressures, supporting small businesses, or creating inclusive public spaces, progress increasingly depends on partnerships between residents, community groups, local authorities, and volunteers. These partnerships are not always seamless, but they are proving effective.
Take, for example, the rise of community-led initiatives that bring people together across generations and backgrounds. Men’s sheds, tidy towns groups, and youth clubs are doing more than fulfilling their immediate purposes; they are strengthening social ties. In an era where loneliness and fragmentation are growing concerns, these grassroots efforts are rebuilding a sense of belonging that is difficult to replicate through policy alone.
Equally important is the role of local leadership in fostering collaboration. When councils actively engage with residents, they create the conditions for genuine participation. Fingal has seen encouraging signs of this in recent years, with increased consultation and support for community-driven projects. However, maintaining this momentum requires consistency and trust.
Challenges remain. Population growth continues to place strain on infrastructure and services, and not all voices are heard equally. True collaboration must include those who are often overlooked, ensuring that development benefits everyone rather than a select few. Inclusivity is not just an ideal; it is essential for long-term success.
What is emerging in Fingal is a model of shared responsibility. Communities are not waiting for solutions—they are helping to shape them. This spirit of cooperation does not eliminate difficulties, but it makes them more manageable.
If sustained, this approach could define Fingal’s future: a place where progress is not imposed from above but built collectively from the ground up.
The Locals Team
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STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION:
Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition
Active Travel Plan Launched for Balrothery
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The Balrothery Active Travel Plan was officially launched today by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, and David Storey, Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport at Fingal County Council.
Shaped through local engagement with community businesses, visitors and elected members, the Plan addresses long standing concerns within the village, particularly around road safety, connectivity and accessibility. Issues highlighted include constrained and interrupted footpaths, accessibility at St. Oliver Plunkett’s National School, limited crossing facilities, visibility challenges at key junctions and restricted access to local businesses and Glebe Park from the R132. The Plan sets out a co-ordinated approach to resolving these challenges and strengthening how people move around Balrothery.
To respond to these challenges, the Plan proposes a series of targeted interventions that prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling, including the reallocation of road space to better support active travel, upgraded public spaces, improved bicycle parking and enhanced links to public transport.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: By focusing on safer streets, better connections and improved public
spaces, this plan will make walking and cycling a more practical option for the Balrothery community. These changes will help people choose healthy, pleasant and sustainable travel options and move around the village more easily and with greater confidence.’’
David Storey, Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport at Fingal County Council, said: “This Plan reflects Fingal County Council’s commitment to delivering inclusive, well designed active travel infrastructure that is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The proposals for Balrothery aim to reduce traffic dominance, improve safety and support more sustainable travel choices.”
The project team is now designing a trial of the first project to come from the Plan. The trial will be implemented in Balrothery later this year, and the public will again be invited to make submissions and suggestions on the trial via the Fingal Consultation Portal. Once implemented, these improvements will make everyday journeys in Balrothery safer and more convenient for everyone. For more information and to read the final Plan, visit: https://www.fingal.ie/activetravel/ balrothery
Tá
2026 Bealtaine 17ú – 9ú Tá s é
éasc a, spraíúil
Le tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi imeachtaí atá ar siúl i bhFine Gall,déan scanadh ar an gcód QR nó tabhair cuairt ar
Balbriggan seen by millions worldwide as it hosts NFL Draft
The north County Dublin town of Balbriggan is to take part in one of the world’s most prestigious sports events – the NFL Draft, this Saturday.
The Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) in the town will play host to a player draft for Wisconsin team the Green Bay Packers, ensuring Balbriggan is seen around the world.
The NFL Draft is a three-day event held every April where all 32 US National Football League teams select new players from the college football ranks.
The Packers want to bring a distinctly Irish theme to one of American football’s biggest stages, highlighting the passion of their fans in Ireland and celebrating the country’s rich musical heritage.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Gavin James will take part in the festivities, alongside young musicians from the Institute, playing the harp.
The Irish Institute of Music and Song is a nonprofit organisation and premier music campus, featuring the 400-seat Lark Concert Hall and a dynamic academy dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Irish performers.
James, a patron of the Institute, is one of Ireland’s most recognised musical talents, with more than two billion Spotify streams. He has toured globally with artists including Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.
The Dublin-based Draft moment is part of the Packers’ broader commitment to growing the game internationally through the NFL’s Global Markets Programme.
The Packers’ Irish connections will also be represented on-site at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, where its nominee for International Fan of the Year, Stephen O’Brien, will announce an additional day three pick.
A native of Arklow, County Wicklow, O’Brien founded the UK and Ireland Packers fan club and has become a leading voice in the team’s international fan community.
In recognition of his impact, the Packers commissioned a large-scale mural in O’Brien’s home town.
The Packers are the league’s most successful franchise, with 13 championships, including four Super Bowls.
The NFL Draft is televised live across ABC,
ESPN and the NFL Network in the US and Sky Sports and DAZN internationally.
The 2025 event was the second most-watched draft in history, averaging 7.5 million viewers across the three-day event.
Balbriggan is currently the site of a €60million economic, infrastructural and social plan, ‘Our Balbriggan’ led by Fingal County Council, launched - following a community engagement in which 25% of the town’s population took partseven years ago.
According to Michael T Dawson, CEO of the Irish Institute of Music Song educational campus, hosting the event is an ‘incredible’ boost for Balbriggan.
“This is a wonderful honour for the Irish Institute of Music Song, The Lark Concert Hall and the town of Balbriggan,” he said.
“The IIMS Harp Ensemble, a group for young harpers aged 9-18, directed by Dr Helen Lawlor and Aoibheann Galvin, which often collaborates with international artists, proved the key factor in capturing the NFL Draft. Its appeal was instrumental in attracting the NFL Draft to Balbriggan,” he added.
A Little Planning Can Save Big
By Dave Kavanagh
Capital Acquisition Tax is the umbrella term for both inheritance and gift tax in Ireland. In 2024 in Ireland, there was over €850 million collected in Capital Acquisition Tax. It also includes estates that may have been taxed in previous generations. For example, if someone left an estate worth €1,000,000 to an only daughter, she would (in the current tax year) have a tax bill of just under €200,000. After she pays the bill and puts what’s left in the bank, any interest is taxed (DIRT). Guess what happens when she passes and leaves her estate behind? It’s taxed again! So what are the tax-free thresholds? Spouses can leave any amount to each other tax free. After that, the three thresholds are, a) Children€400,000, b) Other close relatives - €40,000 and c) All others (including cohabiting partners)€20,000. Everything received above these is taxed at 33%.
So, is there any way to prevent it? There are two main actions that can either reduce or eradicate such a tax bill. The first is to take the time to plan when making a will. Let’s say a value of €900,000 was being left to 2 adult children. (Not a big estate if you combine a house, savings and a life policy). This would create a tax bill of €33,000. Instead, if €800,000 of it was left to the 2 children and the balance between a few
grandchildren (at least 5), there is no tax bill. The second thing that can be done is for the person leaving the estate to take out a Section 72 plan. This is a type of life policy that is allowed to pay any tax liability without adding to the value of the estate. It becomes particularly important for anybody that does not have children to avail of the €400k threshold, as even other relatives can only receive €40,000 before any balance is taxed. These thresholds are particularly important for anybody in the process of planning or making their will.
Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion. ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM, LMFM and TV3.
BELIEVE Balbriggan delivers major community Expo
Flemington Community Centre was alive with energy on 11 April 2026, as dozens of sports clubs, cultural groups, community organisations, local enterprises, education providers, emergency services, and agency partners came together for BELIEVE Balbriggan, a major community expo celebrating the very best of the town’s talent, services, opportunities, and innovation - while strengthening connections, civic pride, and participation across the community.
Exhibitors presented inspiring examples of innovation, best practices, and community involvement, offering visitors a first hand look at the strengths and creativity within Balbriggan. A wide range of interactive workshops added to the atmosphere, giving attendees the chance to engage, learn and experience all that is positive and dynamic about the town.
The event also promoted the ongoing Digital Detox initiative, encouraging attendees to
intentionally reduce or switch off their electronic devices for one hour. By stepping away from phones, tablets, computers, and social media, participants were able to focus on well-being, reduce stress, and create more meaningful, real-world connections – benefits that can be measured and felt within the community.
Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Gráinne Maguire, praised the event, saying: “There’s so many wonderful people and groups at work in Balbriggan and an expo like this is an excellent way for all to get out there and see them. We have some major talent in our local communities and I’m proud to point their way as they exhibit here today. Our many enterprises and community organisations are what bring real life to this town and I’m happy to see so much innovation and talent here in the one place.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, also reflected on the
significance of the expo: “I’d like to congratulate community organisers for giving something for everyone here in Balbriggan. I’m pleased to see so many of different ages participating today. The Digital Detox is another fantastic initiative providing hands-on help for our very many community organisations. Encouraging people to step away from their devices and create meaningful, real-world connections is something I’m always happy to encourage.”
BELIEVE Balbriggan continues to grow as a long-term community movement, designed to strengthen neighbourhoods, support local partnerships, and ensure every resident has the chance to help shape Balbriggan’s future. Events like this year’s expo are an important step in building a more connected, engaged, and proud community.
For more information on the expo and to learn more about the Digital Detox initiative, visit: https://believebalbriggan.ie/
SHINY CAR LOANS
Soul at the IFI: The Commitments 35 Years On
By Jack Shanley
There is a specific kind of magic in seeing a film that belongs to the very streets you walked to get to the cinema. Returning to the Irish Film Institute (IFI) later in the year on October 19th for a special 35th-anniversary screening of Alan Parker’s The Commitments, it’s clear that this gritty, highoctane tribute to Northside soul hasn’t lost a beat of its pulse.
Watching it today, the film remains a masterclass in ensemble chemistry. Based on Roddy Doyle’s beloved novel, it follows Jimmy Rabbitte’s ambitious, if slightly delusional, quest to bring “the savior of soul” to Dublin. What makes The Commitments endure isn’t just the talent at display or the razor-sharp banter; it’s the authenticity. The Dublin captured here— grey, crumbling, and perpetually damp—is a far cry from the modern Dublin of today. Yet, the humor and the desperation feel timeless.
The film’s philosophy, famously summed up by Jimmy’s “black and proud” speech, remains one of the most quotable moments in Irish cinema. It captures that specific brand of working-class defiance that simply doesn’t age, even if the fashion and the payphones do.
The highlight of the evening will be the post-screening Q&A with Robert Arkins. While he played the ambitious manager Jimmy Rabbitte, Arkins is famously a gifted musician in his own right (he actually sang the demos for the film’s soundtrack). We’ll be able to hear Arkins speak about perhaps a fascinating “behind-the-curtain” look at the production, the intensive rehearsals, working under the late, great Alan Parker or even how the film has gone on to become a global Irish cinematic phenomenon that defined a generation.
In a digital age, The Commitments feels refreshingly analog. It’s a film about people actually making things—noise, mistakes, and history. Seeing it projected on the big screen again reminds you that the soundtrack isn’t just a collection of covers; it’s the heartbeat of the movie.
If you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to this Irish classic, this October screening is a rare chance to celebrate the “Hardest Working Band in Dublin” in the heart of the city that birthed them. It’s soulful, it’s loud, and 35 years later, it’s still absolute magic.
Balbriggan Women’s shed
Looking to connect, learn something new, and meet like-minded women? Balbriggan Women’s Shed offers a warm, welcoming space for women aged 18+ to come together, build friendships, share skills, and support one another. From creative workshops like pyrography,
decoupage, painting, pottery, and upcycling, to relaxing and wellbeing activities such as yoga, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re trying something new or sharing what you love. We meet at various times on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at Balbriggan FC.
For our full monthly calendar of events, follow @balbrigganwomensshed on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, call 087 444 8384 or email balbrigganwomensshed@gmail.com—new members are always welcome!
It’s that time of year again when Guide Dog Day is fast approaching and this year is extra special as Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is turning 50! You can find our Branch in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan from 10am6pm on Guide Dog Day Friday 22nd May and continuing the fundraising on May 23rd in SuperValu, Balbriggan from 10am – 6pm.
In March our branch took part in the Cork parade alongside many other branches and celebrated 50 years of Guide Dogs at the Cork St Patricks Day parade. The memory bus for Breege O’Neill, Guide Dog owner from Balbriggan, named Breege’s bus was the meeting point for the volunteers, and the banner was carried by Breege’s son, Eoin and her grandson Nathaniel. Her granddaughters Katie and Paige along with friend, Ann O’Dwyer from Waterford also took part in the parade while Tom O’Neill and Guide Dog Qeb sat on the viewing platform with CEO Tim O’Mahony! As always. Qeb stole the show on the stand giving the paw to all who wanted it! A wonderful day was had, and some lovely finger food and hot cups of tea were enjoyed after the festivities in the City Hall Cork.
Also in March, The Balbriggan/North County Dublin Perpetual Trophy was given out. To give a little bit of background, the award began due to one couple Ned and Máire Maguire from Dolahesy just outside of Balbriggan, the couple were for our branch the Facebook of the 80’s/90’s as they informed people as they went what a guide dog is and what a guide dog does, they took part in sponsored walks and went door to door fundraising for our branch, to name a few of their amazing contributions. When Ned passed away, our branch sourced a trophy to represent a litter of puppies with their mother and each year, the trophy is given to a person or business that has done something that stands out to our Branch during the year. The latest recipient of the Perpetual Trophy was Mark Hynes, owner of Java The Hut Coffee Roasters for their ongoing support of the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs.
You can contact the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs by phone/text 0876489479, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
Time to get set for Communion season!
It’s Communion season and if you need some help preparing for the big day, we’ve got some great tips!
If you’re on a budget, charity shops, Mr Price and Vinted are brilliant for picking up Communion dresses and suits. Penneys and Dunnes Stores do chinos, shirts, braces and bowties for boys who don’t want to wear suits. Dunnes also has fabulous Communion dresses, shoes and accessories. And Penneys do wonderful, summery clothing for siblings.
In our family we have a tradition where we go Communion shopping with the Aunties and Nannies and they each buy something for the child. As well as making memories, having the others chip in is helpful financially for the parents!
At mams.ie we are huge advocates of buying Irish. One of our favourites for special occasion wear is MyKindOfDress.com They have a great website to buy online and a store at Unit 1 Fashion City in Ballymount, where you can try on dresses and no appointment needed! Another fab Irish retailer for special occasion wear is www. Dresses.ie I got this beautiful blush pink dress (pictured above) for a family occasion, for only €36.99! I got so many compliments on it and it’s wonderful to know you can buy such beautiful, reasonably priced dresses in Ireland - so no need to buy from some awful, cheap website on the other side of the world.
Mammies, if you can afford to treat yourself, it’s nice to get your hair and make-up done. We love Advanced Hair Design on Hampton St. They’re
reasonably priced and super friendly. Tricia did my hair in the above pic for a family event and I loved it. Afterwards, I headed to Lynda at Neon Trees (also, very reasonably priced) for makeup and by the time they had both worked their magic, I felt relaxed and Glam! There are lots of photos taken on Communion day and having hair and make-up done professionally is a confidence boost.
For Communion celebrations, we love Bracken Court Hotel. They are genuinely family friendly and the food and service is great. Farnham Estate is stunning – the grounds are a great place to take Communion photos with family. It’s a nice place to escape for a May Bank Holiday break. For more about Communions and all things parenting, go to www.mams.ie
CommunityLocals.ie
CAR REVIEW
XPENG G6 is Now Even Better
By Declan Glynn
A new and improved version of the highly-commendable XPENG G6 has arrived, and it retains its signature fastback-coupé silhouette, while refining the front and rear styling. Key updates include an uninterrupted, full-width LED front light bar, a repositioned front logo, and a subtle “ducktail” spoiler added to the rear of the car.
With an overall length of 4.75m, width of 1.92m and height of 1.65m, the XPENG G6 strikes a perfect balance between road presence and outright practicality. The upgraded 15.6-inch central touchscreen controls vehicle functions, and it is complimented by a 10.25-inch digital driver information display behind the stylish multi-function steering wheel. Natural language processing enables seamless voice commands, and the system is compatible with over-the-air (OTA) updates for hassle-free tech upgrades. XPENG’s dedicated XPILOT ASSIST system is broken down into three areas of advanced driving assistance; XPILOT DRIVING, XPILOT PARKING, and XPILOT SAFETY, and includes intelligent features for everyday use.
The XPENG G6 comes with a choice of Standard Range or Long Range versions, both of which send power to the rear wheels, along with a Long Range Performance model with permanent all-wheel drive - a direct competitor to the new Tesla Model Y Performance. The LFP battery in the Standard Range model now has a capacity of 68.5 kWh (up from 66 kWh), which provides a WLTP range of up to 470 km, while the Long Range model now features an 80.8 kWh LFP battery that increases the WLTP
range to 525 km. Thanks to 800V EV fast-charging architecture, and a charging capacity of up to 451 kW (Long Range model), you can charge the battery from 10-80% in just 12 minutes - perfect for fast-paced days and long road trips.
My review car was an XPENG G6 Standard Range model, which looked particularly striking in its Silver Frost metallic paintwork, with contrasting rear privacy glass, and stylish 20” alloy wheels with Michelin tyres. The electric motor produces 255bhp (251PS) and a hefty 440Nm of instant torque, providing the car with the ability to reach 100km/h from a standing start in just 6.9 seconds. The G6 delivers a smooth, refined ride quality on every journey, and drivers can choose between Eco, Standard and Sport drive modes, each of which offer distinct driving characteristics to suit individual driving style. A solid brake pedal feel ensures the car stops with a similar sense of urgency to which it accelerates, and the adjustable regenerative braking function sends energy back to the battery during deceleration to enhance driving range. The luxuriously-appointed and spacious cabin features ingenious door-release buttons that can be operated by a person’s thumb as they grip the door handle with their fingers, and all occupants enjoy impressive levels of head, leg and elbow room. In short, the refreshed XPENG G6 is now even better than its predecessor in every respect. With pricing from just €42,000 (inclusive of VRT Relief & SEAI Grant), the new XPENG G6 represents outstanding value for money.
WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!!
This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@gmail.com before 5pm on June 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck
Down
1 Seaside settlement near Donabate. (8)
6 Mascot of the Fighting Irish sports team at the University of Notre Dame. (10)
13. A passage between seats in a church, theatre, aircraft, etc. (5)
14. Dads hunch leads to a sausage dog. (9)
15. Salt-cured pork. (5)
16. A division of a road marked off with painted lines which excludes certain vehicles. (3,4)
18. Imperial and U.S. measure of land. (4)
19. Prepare material for publication. (4)
20. A female sheep. (3)
22. A short-lived but widely shared enthusiasm for something. (3)
23. Swords Castle was build as a residence for this Archbishop of Dublin. (5)
25. Avoiding work, lazy. (4)
27. Plant used by the Celts to make a blue cye. (4)
30. The state of being light-hearted or cheerful in a Dublin theatre. (6)
31. Family which produced ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘Wuthering Heights.” (6)
33. Became aware of and paid attention to something. (7)
34. A tortilla chip topped with melted cheese and other savoury toppings. (5)
35. Official records of incidents during the voyages of ships and aircraft. (4)
36. Move with urgent haste to this town. (4)
37. Strong cords for securing or fastening. (5)
40. Hangs around with no apparent purpose. (7)
41. A grave to cause severe and extensive damage. (6)
42. A facility for medical diagnosis and treatment. (6)
44. Dwarf dogs and MMORPG scratch groups. (4)
45. The hairy man of the Old Testament. (4)
46. State franchised game of chance. (5)
48. International code signal of extreme distress. (3)
50. Pull the towing boat hard. (3)
52. A curved structure. (4)
54. Made cheese. (4)
56. Boredom in a room set aside for sleep. (7)
59. Want to have something very much , especially something that belongs to someone else. (5)
60. A plant that retains leaves throughout the year. (9)
61. Facial expression of disapproval, displeasure or concentration. (5)
62. Slang for a Garda vehicle used to transport prisoners. (5,5)
63. This town reeks, Sir! (8)
2. A fertile spot in a desert. (5)
3. Lower digit. (3)
4. Those in front of the stage. (8)
5. Cry out suddenly in surprise, strong emotion, or pain. (7)
6. Device that generates an intense beam of light. (5)
7. Show displeasure by thrusting out the lips. (4)
8. Helped, assisted or supported. (5)
9. Old ... die hard (6)
10. Male relative. (5)
11. Brecan’s Town today. (10)
12. The lean dude chooses fuel without pb. (8)
17. Auntie Dido went for an interview as a cast member. (10)
21. Wagner’s Ring. (8)
22. Making a quick nervous movement as an instinctive reaction to fear, pain or surprise. (9)
24. Female religious. (4)
26. Meal in the middle of the day. (5)
28. Persons who reside in a house or vehicle at a particular time. (9)
29. Made something free from bacteria or other micro-organisms. (10)
32. Extremely thorough and careful. (8)
35. Doesn’t win. (5)
38. The temporary transfer of a worker to another position. (10)
39. Shaped like an egg. (4)
40. You can put ... on a pig - it’s still a pig! (8)
43. Famous Paris university. (8)
47. Interferes with something to cause damage. (7)
49. Acid which can build up in the body during exercise. (6)
51. Small hammer for an auctioneer, judge or chairman. (5)
53. It rises to the top when fresh milk is left to stand. (5)
55. A fixed, often religious, belief or set of beliefs. (5)
57. Protective layer of gas above the earth. (5)
58. Fruit with a double meaning? (4) 61. Irish male tree. (3)
9th – 17th May 2026
T c o find out more about events in Fingal, scan the QR ode or visit
