to be Blasted

INSIDE Volume 7 Issue 2 February 2005

Ballymun Concrete News 66 Joseph Plunkett Tower

Ballymun Dublin 11

Telephone 8425174 / 087 6724107

Email: ballymunconcrete.news@

oceanfree.net Web:

www.irishunsigned.com/bcn

Ballymun Concrete News 66 Joseph Plunkett Tower Ballymun, D.11 �8425174 / 087 6724107 �ballymunconcrete.news@oceanfree.net

Minister Ahern and Ciaran Murray see page 8.

Page 6

PPaaggee 88

Joseph O’ Dea’s meets Ballymun’s Needs

Ballymun Town Centre Tel 8421647 Fax 8422952

Volume 7 Issue 2 - February 2005

Ballymun RAPID Programme. Pages 3,4,5

O’Dea’s over 30 years serving the Ballymun community.

RAPID

Carboni’s, Unit 8, Ballymun Town Shopping Centre Tel: 01-8425288.

The Ballymun Partnership Parents Network was established to identify and begin to meet the needs of local parents. The Parents Network is a support group for Ballymun par­ents in which local people drive the network supported by the Ballymun Partnership.

Speaking exclusively to the Ballymun Concrete News Brian Kerr said his knowledge is very limited about the Parents Network but gave his personal

views on the family, par­ents and some insight into his own personal life.

“This event is more about the community and the work that’s going on in the regeneration of Ballymun and also support for the community,” said the Ireland manager.

Brian, speaking about his own relatives, his personal experiences and work as a Laboratory Technician in Dublin City University said, “I have family living

near enough my sister down the road in Santry. I was a Lab technician not a very good one, I survived to tell the tale. I was there every day, but I wasn’t particularly suited to the role.”

The Ballymun Concrete News, asked Brian about the new Parents Network and what it meant to him. “I don’t have a particular understanding of the actual

ATTENTION ALL YOUNG PEOPLE 10-21 YEARS! You can check out www.ballymunyouth.ie online from Friday 25th February 2005

• Freshly cooked sit in meals • Freshly made sandwiches

and Specially grounded coffee to go.

• Home made cakes. OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 8AM TO 6PM.

Irelands Brian Kerr launches Parents Network in Ballymun BBaallllyymmuunn CCoonnccrreettee NNeewwss Exclusive interview with Brian Kerr by Seamus Kelly

Ballymun Tower Block The final countdown has begun.The biggest explosion ever to rock Ballymun is set to implode and blow up a fifteen storey high rise block over the coming weeks (expected date Sunday March 6th) as part of the massive € 2.5b regeneration of the area. After years of anticipation, the explosive news has grabbed the nation’s media as yet another concrete landmark- Sean McDermott Tower- of the old Ballymun comes tumbling down to earth.

There will be a countdown of ten seconds before a plunger button is pressed. A second later, explosives will go off and the building will crash to the ground within 4-5 seconds.

A raffle has been organised through the local schools and a draw will take place and the winner of draw will receive the honour of firing the detonator to bring the building down. Funds raised from raffle will go to

local schools. Locals will have a front-row seat at the dramatic scene, with space available behind a 100-metre exclusion zone surrounding the Tower block

The Gardai and demolition contractor’s security per­sonnel, will maintain crowd control barriers at the perimeter of the exclusion zone.

The controlled implosion will generate enough of a blast to bring 8,500 tonnes of concrete, steel and alu­minium plummeting safely 150ft to the ground below.

Sean McDermott Tower was built in 1968, which housed generations of local

families until it was decant­ed last summer. Ending the building's remarkable histo­ry, it's most memorable moment will arrive when a controlled implosion com­pletely destroys the famous Tower in a matter of sec­onds.

Contracted by Muir Associates to carry out the major implosion is Northern Irish construction company John Tinnelly & Sons Ltd, employing 55 workers on site whose previous work include the demolitions of Croke Park's old Hogan Stand and Belfast Divis flats similar to the Ballymun Towers.

Speaking exclusively to the Ballymun Concrete News

demolition site engineer Stephen Corey said, "The space available at McDermott Tower is more than adequate for this type of demolition compared to some other implosions we have carried out in the UK,”

“Each building demolished by explosives is always dif­ferent because of site condi­tions and location, but this overall programme of three months, which requires a six week implosion prepara­tion period."

The site engineer explained that before the building is demolished, explosives must be stored, transported to Ballymun and expertly positioned at precise loca­tions on the tower block.

A 'blast protector' made up of layers of chain-link fenc­ing at the source of each explosion will be installed to contain blast fragments from the implosion on each blast level.

Before the destruction of Sean McDermott Tower, the lift motors will be removed so that they can be re-used and the remaining lift will come down with implosion.

Sean McDermott Tower

BBaallllyymmuunn CCoonnccrreettee NNeewwss Exclusive: By Fiachra O’ Cionnaith. Photos by Seamus Kelly

BOOM3,2,1,

Brian Kerr Irelands legendary Soccer manager recently launched a Ballymun Partnership programme, ‘Parents Network’ in the axis centre to a mass reception of the many guests and fans of Kerr.

Editor of Ballymun Concrete News, Seamus Kelly interviewing Brian Kerr

cont. on page 2

Ballymun Partnership community page with Brian Kerr.

At the time of going to press the Ballymun

Concrete News learned of the tragic death of a

construction worker at the Sean McDermott site.

The Ballymun Concrete News extends it’s deepest

sympathy to the man’s family, friends and colleagues at this

very sad time.

2 Volume 7 Issue 2 BBaallllyymmuunn CCoonnccrreettee NNeewwss • February 2005

Ballymun Concrete News Exclusive by Seamus Kelly

cont. from page 2 sity housing and the social problems there’s responsibility on parents of both that came with throwing people into a men and women together to get

day to day running of these things. I place. involved with whatever projects are understand support groups, local sup- More Power to Ballymunavailable to them,”said Brian. port groups are vital in these communi­ “Many people who had problems in ties. their own lives had very little help and The Parents Network is at the heart of a

support to develop themselves and deal broader Childcare Network that aims to “This place has had a hard time over with the problems associated with the support children and young people in Ballymun Concrete News editor Seamus Kelly, talks with Professor Dr Anne Power, anmany years, various problems that are living conditions they were living in Ballymun. This follows the work of the involved in many societies where peo­ expert on regeneration issues about the massive transformation of Ballymun, and its effectsand the lack of support for their diffi- Ballymun Childcare Task Force reportple are lumped together without facili­ culties. and the findings of the Ballymun on the local community. ties. They give a good living and hous- Partnerships Education Strategy, which ing conditions, but not a lot of support Dr Power Professor of Social Policy, “Generally I think it’s going in the right A: “Well it depends on two things, first“Those communities are now having identifies early education and child-facilities round the area. London School of Economics, also direction, the thing that really worries it will depend on how it’s managed,the opportunity to improve, they’ve got hood development as the key to happy

worked with Martin Luther King's 'End me, is how it’s going to be managed in secondly it will depend on winning theto understand they need to help them- and successful families. “Thankfully, I think there’s been new Slums' campaign in Chicago in 1966. the long run and whether there will be a hearts and minds of the existingselves as well.” thinking in how a proper community Speaking exclusively to the Ballymun dedicated structure such as there is at Ballymun residents over to a confi-It also hopes to feed into the "Ten Year can be developed and a proper support Concrete News, Dr Power said that the moment driving the regeneration. dence in their own future.Speaking on the role men played in Plan for Children and Young People in structure. I think in the new buildings, although her work takes her throughouttheir families years back, and how they Ballymun" a multi-agency initiative the new housings, new offices, new Europe and internationally, she is very Q: Looking at the bigger picture the Q: If you were an investor would youcan be involved in the Parents Network currently under development in support structures that are been put in interested in Ballymun and the massive overall package of regeneration and all want to buy in right now?today, Brian said, “I think in our tradi- Ballymun. “By providing a support net-place around here can mean that this current regeneration of the area. that goes with it and affects the resi­tional homes the men were responsible work for parents we are supportingcommunity can really develop and dents living on the estate with ongoing A. If you want to ask me if I’ve gotfor being the breadwinners. I think the children” says Noirin Coghlan, the become proud of the area. Q: Have you a personal interest in the building and construction and all it faith in the whole project, I would thinkopportunities for employment for the Ballymun Partnership Childcare

regeneration of Ballymun? brings, do you think that the current Ballymun given its location, next to themen of these families, in many cases Coordinator. “For too long I think the area was asso­ transition programme in Ballymun is Airport, very close to the City centre ofmay not have been ciated with social problems in Dublin A: “Of course I have, I think it really sufficient to deal with the residents a booming city, it’s bound to be a veryas many opportu­such as Inchicore, another place which matters, it’s where a lot of people live. everyday concerns? precious asset, why wouldn’t I want tonities as there are is closer to my heart. I think it’s very easy to get it wrong, invest in Ballymun, the people arein other areas.

and if you spend money well, that’s A: All I can say is that every single very nice. “I went to school there but obviously in already been spent, you can make a regeneration project of this kind, where“I hope that’s my time with St. Pat’s I was going back very big difference in people’s lives.” the residents stay in place, and re-changing, but there I saw the problems with high den- housed on site, is the most unbelievably

Q: With all the delays through planning painful slow and difficult progress. I objections judicial reviews, health and don’t honestly know whether it’s possi-Safety issues, and other hold ups, do ble to ease the pain of that progress. you think the regeneration is worse or better than you thought? “It’s a question of speeding it up and

having clear timetables so that people “Things are better, there’s some very know by next month or six months, this nice new housing. There’s some very that and the other will have happened happy residents moving into it. There so that everybody will know.” are some very nice open spaces being put up there as new community provi- Q: Do you agree with the recent state­sions such as crèches, art theatres, ment by the City Manager that the new shops that actually look like they are Ballymun will be among the finest in selling normal things instead of being Europe and will the private investors dump places which nobody will ever invest their money and come into want to buy anything in,” she said. Ballymun?

Well worth a visit.Also large selection of Mats and Kitchen Plastic in store.

Thrifty All New Now moved to

Marlow Cleaners premises facing Tesco’s.

Don’t forget Mother’s Day 6th

March where you will have a large selection

on Mother’s Day.

Looking very colourful, Katie Darcy (6) and Erka Walshe (5) at the Brian Kerr launch in axis. Photo by Seamus Kelly.

Dr. Power also author of 'Estates on the Edge'.

BBaallllyymmuunn CCoonnccrreettee NNeewwss • February 2005 Volume 7 Issue 2 3

Ballymun RAPID Programme

Message from Ballymun RAPID Chairperson Stephen Rourke

Ballymun is one of 45 locations in Ireland which have been selected for inclusion in the Government’s RAPID pro-gramme – RAPID stands for Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment and Development. The purpose of the RAPID programme is to fast-track investment and gov­ernment spending into the selected RAPID areas and to improve the co-ordination

rently in the process of con-involved in the delivery of structing a new 3 year plan, forState services in these areas. the period from 2005 to 2007.Ballymun has the largest popu-This plan will take full accountlation of any RAPID area in of changing needs and circum-Ireland, a population which is stances within Ballymun; andgoing to double in size over the will aim to complement and tonext 10 years. A further unique support the various projects andaspect of Ballymun relates to initiatives being set up by vari­the fact that it is the most sig­ous statutory and communitynificant urban regeneration based organisations within theventure in western Europe. This Ballymun area. It is likely thatregeneration process creates the 2005 – 2007 Ballymunmany opportunities to enhance RAPID plan will have a partic­the quality of life for local resi­ularly strong focus on creatingdents and to radically improve opportunities for agencies andthe ways in which services are organisations to work togetherdelivered to these residents and in a more co-ordinated andto local communities within integrated manner.Ballymun.

An additional priority forBallymun RAPID, together Ballymun RAPID over the nextwith the partner agencies and three years will be to increaseorganisations represented on its the level of community repre-Area Implementation Team (a sentation on the RAPID Areatype of management commit-Implementation Team and ontee) has assisted in the regener­other RAPID structures ination and rejuvenation process Ballymun. If you are interestedin Ballymun. Of the 31 actions in finding out more or gettingwithin the Ballymun RAPID involved in Ballymun RAPIDAction Plan drawn up in early we would be delighted to hear2002, 24 have either been com-from you.pleted or are at an advanced

stage of planning and develop-Finally, on behalf of thement. These actions which Ballymun RAPID Areastraddle a whole range of dif-Implementation Team I wouldferent issues (e.g. education, like to take this opportunity tohealth, environment, communi­thank people for the supportty developmental) have been which they have given to thedelivered through the agencies RAPID process in Ballymun. Iand sectors represented on the also wish to re-assure local res-RAPID Area Implementation idents that Ballymun RAPIDTeam. Whilst many of these will continue to prioritise theactions might have happened development of services andanyway in the course of time, it facilities which will improveis our view that their location in the quality of life and the rangea RAPID area and their of opportunities and possibili­endorsement by Ballymun ties available to local peopleRAPID Area Implementation living within the BallymunTeam has served to significant-area.ly increase their chances of

receiving support from relevant STEPHEN ROURKEState agencies and Government CHAIRPERSONDepartments. BALLYMUN RAPID AREA IMPLEMENTATION TEAMThe Ballymun RAPID Area

Implementation Team is cur-

WHAT IS RAPID? RAPID PRINCIPLESThe RAPID (Revitalising Areas by

Planning, Investment and Development) Programme is a focussed Government initiative to target the 45 most disadvantaged areas in the country.The Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tack­ling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion with­in the 45 designated areas through targeting state resources, available under the National Development Plan.The Programme also calls on Government Departments and State Agencies to bring about bet­ter co-ordination and closer inte­gration in the delivery of services. There are two Strands of the Programme - Strand I targets 25 urban areas, while Strand II targets 20 provincial towns around the country.

The overall principles of the RAPID Programme are: �Community participa­

tion and local owner­ship;

� Promotion of strategic planning; �Co-ordination of provi­

sion of state services; � Targeting of additional

services, investment and

facilities; � Building on existing structures; �Complementing existing

initiatives; � Flexibility. In the Ballymun con­text, this means: � Seeing the community

as more than a passive user of services, but as an active participant in planning and delivering

services for Ballymun jointly with the statuto­ry sector;

� Using the Ballymun RAPID Action Plan as a flexible, document capa­ble of responding to cur­rent and future needs within an overall strate­gic framework; � Building on diversity and

activism, consolidating existing good practice.

Developing the potential of Ballymun means not only recognising its uniqueness, but also developing ways to harness the energy and experience of the community and voluntary sector and the population at large in pur­suit of common goals in partnership with the statutory agencies.

ESTATE ENHANCEMENT SCHEME This scheme is co funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Dublin City Council. The Sillogue area was one place identified by the commu­nity as needing environmental improvements. Representatives of the Sillogue Residents Committee were consulted to find out which areas they felt were in particular need of being upgraded. The issues that were raised form the basis for the improvement works now taking place.

These works include the laying of new paving or a new concrete surface to some frequently used pedestrian routes which tend to get very muddy. Another exam­ple is the installation of new concrete bollards in some areas to prevent cars getting into the inner housing areas.

Letters have now been circulat­ed to the residents of Sillogue Gardens giving information and a map about the proposed upgrading.

The works now taking place are the first phase of the environ­mental improvement works to Sillogue Gardens. Phase 2 is now being planned in conjunc­tion with representatives of the

Phase 3 will be major improve­ment works and will include the relaying of drains and laying of new paving in the entire Sillogue Gardens area, similar to works currently on site in

Ready for a makeover.

specialist landscaping company. This phase consists of the rede­velopment of the triangular open space and the square open space, facing the Gateway Housing.

residents and Groundworks, a Sandyhill Gardens.

Before enhancement (left and right)

4 Volume 7 Issue 2 BBaallllyymmuunn CCoonnccrreettee NNeewwss • February 2005

Ballymun RAPID Programme

WORKING TOGETHER THE ROLE OF RAPID IN PROMOTING AND DEVELOPING INTER-AGENCY CO-OPERATION WITHIN BALLYMUN The RAPID programme has a par­ticular focus on improving co-ordi­nation and co-operation between agencies, organisations and groups which are involved in delivering services within the various RAPID areas. It is considered that the multi-agency nature of the RAPID Area Implementation Teams (with representatives from Government Departments, statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and com­munity groups) places these teams in a particularly strong position to identify ways in which various agencies/organisations might work more closely together in the best interests of local residents.

It is considered that an area like Ballymun has the potential to bene­fit significantly through greater inter-agency co-operation. It is estimated that there are over 150 community and voluntary groups/organisations within Ballymun. In addition there are over 20 Government Departments and statutory agencies working in the Ballymun area. It is accepted that a certain level of co-operation and co-ordination does take place between the various statutory, vol­

untary and community organisa­tions in Ballymun – through the Ballymun Partnership, various Task Forces, and other inter-agency groups.

It is also recognised, however, that the provision of services to individ­ual communities and to individual families could be improved through agencies and organisations working more closely together rather than each agency/organisation “doing its own thing” (with little reference to other agencies and organisations which are also working in the same community or with the same fami­lies or target groups).

The RAPID Area Implementation Team for Ballymun is currently in the process of identifying ways in which services might be delivered in a more effective and efficient manner to residents living in the Ballymun area. This process has two main focuses. Firstly, improved sharing of information (about plans, about budgets, about new initia­tives) between agencies and organi­sations working in Ballymun. Secondly, consideration of the cur­rent level of co-operation in relation

to individual sectors and issues (e.g. delivery of family support services, delivery of healthcare services). The Area Implementation Team for Ballymun hopes that it will be in a position to progress and to imple­ment a number of strategies aimed at improving inter-agency co-opera­tion and co-ordination within the Ballymun area.

It is considered that there are signif­icant resources and assets in the Ballymun area (e.g. skilled and committed workers, money being spent by various agencies and organisations, buildings); and that if these resources and assets could be maximised to their full potential it could result in less duplication, less confusion about the roles of various agencies and organisations and the better delivery of public and com­munity services. The RAPID Area Implementation Team will continue to work closely with the agencies and organisations in the Ballymun area with a view to identifying ways in which services might be deliv­ered in a more effective manner to local residents and local groups.

The aim of this scheme is to provide funding for the provision of new local authority playgrounds or refurbishment of existing playgrounds. It is Co

funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Health and Children.

Ballbutcher is the designated area to benefit from the first phase of this scheme with the refurbishment of seven play areas currently underway.

RAPID PLAYGROUNDS SCHEME

Ready for a new lease of life

RAPID: SUPPORTING EMPLOYMENT GROWTH

Like many areas across Ireland Ballymun has benefited from the positive economic and employment growth that has taken place over the last number of years. The RAPID AIT is actively working to maintain and build on the growth in employment. Employment that pro­vides good opportunities is important for the future development of Ballymun. Thus employment and access to life-long learning forms an important element of the RAPID Plan. The RAPID AIT is working to ensure that labour market support services are relevant to people in Ballymun and that they have the capacity to meet the challenges of a changing Ballymun and labour market.

To date members of the RAPID AIT have assisted in the mainte­nance of and development of labour market programmes such as CE, Jobs Club, JI and the development of new supports such as the employment of an educational psychologist to work with young people involved in Youthreach, the CTW and in the BJC.

No one organisation or agency has the capacity, in itself, to pro­vide all the supports necessary to assist an individual to access employment. In Ballymun there are a range of agencies and organisations providing supports to individuals who wish to access employment or to access educa­tion and training. RAPID is a vehicle that enables these organi­

sations and agencies to come together to share ideas and plans. RAPID supports the work of community-based organisations such as Ballymun Job Centre, and state agencies such as City of Dublin VEC and FAS. RAPID provided support for a research project on inter-agency co-opera­tion and on a seminar that dis­cussed the outcomes of the research.

While progress has been achieved more work still needs to be done. Unemployment in Ballymun, while low relative to the eighties, is four times the national average. More supports are required to ensure that indi­viduals in Ballymun have the same opportunities to participate and progress in the labour mar­

ket. In order to achieve this more education and training supports are required and greater linkages between labour market services on the one hand and health, childcare, welfare services are required.

The regeneration of Ballymun provides an ideal opportunity to continue to improve the employ­ment prospects of individuals in Ballymun. The partners in the RAPID AIT are working to attract in quality employment and to ensure that resources are made available to enable people in Ballymun to access appropri­ate education and training and other supports that will give them the opportunity to access employment both locally and across Dublin.

RAPID ENDORSED INVESTMENT IN 2004 SOURCE OF FUNDINGAMOUNT ALLOCATEDPROJECT

Gateway Project €€ 79,127 Dormant Accounts Ballymun Regional Youth Resource

€€ 390,000 Sports Capital Grant including RAPID top up

Setanta €€ 195,000 Sports Capital Grant including RAPID top up

Sporting Facilities in Balcurris

€€ 52,000 Sports Capital Grant including RAPID top up

Sporting Facilities in Coultry

€€ 52,000 Sports Capital Grant including RAPID top up

Estate Enhancement €€ 65,560 Dept of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs/Dept of Environment

Playgrounds Refurbishment

€€ 72,000 Dept of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs/Dept of Environment

Ballymun Anti Poverty Network

€€ 100,000 Dept of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

BBaallllyymmuunn CCoonnccrreettee NNeewwss • February 2005 Volume 7 Issue 2 5

Ballymun RAPID Programme

BALLYMUN ANTI POVERTY NETWORK The Ballymun Anti Poverty Network (BAPN) was established in December 2002 in the context of the Government review of local and community development structures.While organisations within these structures had enjoyed close working relationships for a number of years, the review offered the opportunity to take a structured approach to examining possibilities for greater co-ordination of our work and to collectively respond to the questions posed through the review process. The BAPN has been meet- cy in terms of anti pover- We aim to promote collabo- The key organisations that ing regularly since and is ty, social inclusion, equali- ration between the different make up the network are chaired by the RAPID Co- ty and urban regeneration organisations in the network RAPID, Ballymun Men’s ordinator Bernie Roe. We measures and encourage members to centre, Community and have recently been success- • Maximising the potential value and have an under- Family Training Agency ful in securing funding to for radically improving standing of the respective (CAFTA), St Margaret’s develop a number of excit- the lives of Ballymun peo- roles and responsibilities of Travellers Community ing initiatives, which are ple presented by the each member group. In Development Association, based on; greater co –ordination and doing this we hope to take Community Action

delivery of these measures on an advocacy role which Programme (CAP), • Building on current anti at local, city and national would involve developing, Ballymun Partnership and

poverty and social inclu- levels within the context promoting and monitoring Ballymun Local Drugs Task

sion activity in Ballymun of the regeneration of the anti poverty strategy for Force. Ballymun.• The implementation in Ballymun.

Ballymun of national poli-

BCON is a Network of community groups that meet once a month to exchange information and to work on issues of common concern. Membership is open to any community group in the area that is managed by a local voluntary management committee. BCON currently has over 30 community/voluntary groups affiliated to it.

One of the key functions of affecting local residents or resource centres. They pro- community group, you can the BCON rep on the groups. vide local people with a participate in BCON and RAPID team is to keep the whole range of choices for find out more about the members of the BCON Community groups in participation in social, RAPID process. Meetings informed about any develop- Ballymun range from purely educational and economic take place every month in ments within the RAPID voluntary groups such as activities. Many of these The Axis Arts and programme and to alert the sports clubs, residents asso- groups have as their focus Community Resource RAPID AIT to any concerns ciations, parish etc to groups the most marginalised sec- Centre, For further informa­or opinions that BCON may employing one or more staff tions of the community. tion call Audrey Meehan, at have about any of the issues such as CE projects and If you are involved in a local 8832158.

COMMUNITY GROUPS PARTICIPATION IN RAPID

COMMUNITY TRUST INITIATIVE The Ballymun RAPID Area Implementation Team have recognised the need to strengthen community sustainability in the area and are currently exploring and identifying new ways of supporting community projects in Ballymun and making them less dependent on Government resources.

We are aware of Community Ballymun situation other relevant community foundation and Trust fund sustainability projects and models developed in recent The research will: initiatives might have trans-years in Ireland and abroad. We • Explore other models of ferable potential to the are now conducting a piece of Ballymun area.community trust funds, research to look at the rele- Community foundations, • Design and develop an initia­vance and transferability of Community linkage funds, tive which would enhance the other national/international Community property initia- medium to long term sustain-models of good practice and tives in Ireland and else- ability of community based design a model of community where. organisations and projects in sustainability which is both rel­ • Assess the extent to which the Ballymun area. evant and unique to the

ENCOURAENCOURAGINGGING COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY INVINVOLOLVEMENTVEMENT The RAPID team has identi­fied the clear need for greater community involve­ment in the RAPID process in Ballymun. In particular we would hope to have at least three more local residents on the Area Implementation Team. If you would like to become more involved in the pro-gramme and are interested in joining the RAPID team, please contact Bernie Roe, RAPID Co-ordinator.

Paul Clegg, Dublin City Council Aidan O’ Donnell, Gardai Declan Dunne, Ballymun Partnership Benita Fitzgerald, FAS Brian Healy, City Dublin Youth Services Board Breda O’Brien, VEC Donnacadh Hurley, Ballymun Regional Youth Resource Mick Creedon, LES/Ballymun Job Centre Hugh Greaves, Local Drugs Task Force Sheena Mc Cambley, Ballymun Regeneration LTD Mary Martin, ERHA May Murphy, Dept Social Family Affairs Ballymun Community Organisations Network representative Three community representatives Bernie Roe, Ballymun RAPID Co-ordinator Stephen Rourke, Chairperson

YOUR RAPID AREA IMPLEMENTATION TEAM

RAPID AS AN ENDORSEMENT AGENT In recent years RAPID has been asked by relevant Government agencies to com­ment upon and/or endorse pro­posals to funding programmes which have been submitted from Ballymun. These pro-grammes include Sports Capital Grants, Dormant Accounts and Equality for Women Measure. Some of the criteria used for assessing proposals include the following;

• Evidence of need, • Capacity to deliver, • Evidence of collaboration

with other bodies, • Value for money Ballymun RAPID has been very happy to be involved in this endorsement process as it gives us an opportunity to progress and prioritise those projects and actions which cor­respond most closely to the objectives set out in our RAPID action plan.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY ASPECT OF THE RAPID PROGRAMME PLEASE CONTACT

Bernie Roe Ballymun RAPID Co-ordinator Dublin City Council North West Civic Centre Mellowes Road Finglas Dublin 11 Tel 675 5410 Email bernie.roe@dublincity.ie

6 Volume 7 Issue 2 BBaallllyymmuunn CCoonnccrreettee NNeewwss • February 2005

Ballymun Parents Network Launched by Brian Kerr Over seventy local children and forty parents attended the Launch of Ballymun Partnership Parents Network in Axis recently.

Brian speaking to local people in the theatre in Axis.

On the day Brian Kerr spoke for over an hour to local par­ents. He spoke passionately about his own experience as a parent and entertained us with stories from the Irish Team. While the parents were enjoying this treat their children were taking part in art & drama activities upstairs.

Brian took the time to visit all four rooms to speak to each child individually. Meanwhile Dr Vincent Maloney spoke in the Theatre on the ten rules of parenting and since every­one enjoyed it we have been asked to bring him back by popular demand.

Brian with local childen.

Parents Needs The Parents Network was established to identify and begin to meet the needs of local parents. Through the network parents identified the following needs: • “We need support for

parents” • “We need better

information services” • “We need support with

education” • “We need a range of

services for children and young people”

The Lucky Winners One lucky family won tick­ets to the Ireland vs Portugal Match, and football kits for their two children courtesy of the FAI and a meal for four people at TGI Friday’s restaurant kindly contributed by TGIs. The Parents Network has been supported by the efforts of thirty eight volunteers from various agencies. It was funded and supported by Dublin City University, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the International Year of the Family, Dublin City Council and Axis.

TenYear Plan for Children &Young People moves one step closer The Ballymun Development Group for Children & Young People has received initial funding to develop this exciting plan. Dr Noirin Hayes, former This money will allow for Education and Science, chair of the Ballymun the employment of a local RAPID, BRL, BRYR, the Childcare Taskforce chairs project co-ordinator and Drugs Taskforce and the the development group. for local children and par- Partnership. The Ballymun The plan is working to ents views to be heard. Partnership has been asked achieve “seismic change” The development group by the group to provide in the lives of children and includes people from the local administrative sup-young people in Primary Healthcare port. Ballymun. Project, the Department of

A very important week in Ballymun’s cultural calendar

Ninety Six people fill 156 voluntary roles in Ballymun Partnership One of the key roles of Ballymun Partnership is to encourage co-operation among state agencies, the Community, Employer and Trade Union Representatives. It does this by getting people around the table to work out plans to make improvements in Childcare, Education, Community, and Employment & Enterprise Issues for the benefit of the people of Ballymun.

Working Groups These are called Working Groups as they are not talking shops but a genuine effort to agree plans to make a differ-ence.

The Community Development and ChildcareWorking Groups have been significantly expand-ed in 2004 with five sub groups working on particular tasks.

It is planned to recruit a sec-ond Community Development Co-ordinator, an Education

Programme Manager and an new Deputy Chair, Damian Economic Development Manager early in 2005. The Education and Economic Development Working Groups will then be expanded also.

The Partnership has under-gone rapid change with the appointment of a new Chair, Chris O’Malley from the Presidents office in DCU, and a

Drumm the Northwest Area Manager of DCC.

All three newly elected coun-cillors joined the Board last year. The Partnership has also greatly increased its engage-ment with the community, with 96 members of the board and sub structures in 156 different positions.

Councillors Andrew Montague, Julia Carmichael and Ray Corcoran.

You may remember the many colourful events that took place last year includ­ing an intercultural night of celebration in the Axis and a display of flags in the shop­ping centre made by local young people.

This year the Ballymun Intercultural Group will be organising events to mark and acknowledge the week.

European Week Against Racism March 14th- 21st 2005

If you would like to find out more about European Week Against Racism or would like to lend your support to the Ballymun Intercultural Group, contact Aine in the Partnership on 8423612 or send an email to ainedeignan@ballymun.org

BBaallllyymmuunn CCoonnccrreettee NNeewwss • February 2005 Volume 7 Issue 2 7

WHAT TREE ARE YOU?

Jochen Gerz, artist, with Bernie Kinsella -Landscape Architect for amaptocare project

Your tree choices are needed now so that amaptocare’s newest team member Bernie Kinsella can begin to plan for Ballymun’s greener future. Almost 600 people have donated trees to amap­tocare since this time last year and it is now time to begin the planting stage. Before the first trees go into the ground this winter, the sites for all of these trees need to be chosen based on every donor’s chosen loca­tion and tree species choice.

Bernie is no stranger to Ballymun as she worked with GAP developing their gardening programme all of last year. In her horticultural role with BRL Bernie will be responsible for matching each individual tree to its site in Ballymun. Bernie trained in the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin and has worked as a garden designer as well as running

classes for people who want­ed to design their own gar­dens. Bernie said of the proj­ect “It’s great to be working with trees that mean so much to individuals.”

There has been much work going on behind the scenes at amaptocare as Bernie, Coillte & BRL have been planning this next phase of the project. Bernie is delighted to be working on Ireland’s biggest public art commission and said, “Trees will be planted throughout Ballymun and when the trees are all planted they will become part of the tree donors lives and will also enrich the lives of all those who live in or visit Ballymun.”

If you haven’t donated a tree yet but want to be part of amaptocare, this is your chance! Contact us today to choose your tree on 01 8832110.

A Conference will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, Poppintree on Thursday 3rd of March at 7.30pm, aimed at giving each of us a chance to share our wisdom on how to help those in danger of taking their life.

Ways of prevention, safeguarding and cherishing life and giving hope is what we are about.

This community, perhaps because of the depth of our experience, has vast resources, personal and community to help with this problem.

Anyone who was present

at Acorn’s first conference, held in the same venue, St. Joseph’s, on the subject of stress was amazed at the number of simple but profound strategies this community has of dealing with stress. Sharing this wisdom is a great gift to our community.

It is not the keynote speaker: Peter McVerry, or the qualified group facilitators who will make this second Acorn conference a milestone in Ballymun, but your wisdom shared with others.

Come and Share it. Don’t keep it to yourself!

PUBLIC NOTICE

Prevention of Taking ones Life

Come and Share it. Don’t keep it to yourself!

EDITORIAL TEAM

Ballymun Concrete News, 66 Joseph Plunkett Tower, Ballymun, Dublin 11 �8425174 / 087 6724107 �ballymunconcrete.news@oceanfree.net

Editor, Proprieter & Photography: Seamus Kelly News/Features:

Fiachra O’ Cionnaith Graphic Design & Layout:

Jamie Plummer Business Columnist: Terence Kavanagh

It’s the Law Columnist: Frank Murphy

European Columnist & Political Editor: Lloyd Gorman

Web Design & New Music Columnist: Ron Healy

It’s the Prescription Columnist: Edward MacManus

Ballymun Area Office Ballymun Civic Centre Main Street Ballymun

www.dublincity.ie

Are you paying the right rent?

Have your family circumstances changed? Such as : • New Job? • New Baby?

Has someone moved in or out of the home?

Tel : 222 5610 or drop into the office between 9.30 – 4 p.m. each day

Are you finding difficulty paying your rent? If so, • Contact us early, don’t wait for us to contact you

• There is a friendly and experienced team ready to help with all types of problems with regard to rent arrears

• Did you know that you can have your rent deducted from your payment from Social Welfare under the Household Budget Scheme.

Call us at 222 5691

• Offer a full range of money advice - budgeting and money manage­ment skills, social welfare entitle­ments and how to maximise your income

• Will help you deal with debt problems

• Operate a budget facility with participating Credit Unions allowing you to pay bills weekly. This means that you can pay your rent and pay an amount off outstanding arrears through the Credit Union.

Tel : 8620059 Ballymun Shopping Centre

WORRIED ABOUT MAKING ENDS MEET? ACT NOW! Dublin City Council and The Ballymun Money Advice Bureau can help you

Rent Assessment Rent Arrears Ballymun Money Advice Bureau

8 Volume 7 Issue 2 BBaallllyymmuunn CCoonnccrreettee NNeewwss • February 2005

Cumann Báire Setanta New Clubhouse launched Report by Seamus Kelly

The Turning of the Sod Ceremony’ of the first stage of the development new clubhouse for Cumann Báire Setanta was launched Minister Noel Ahern T.D with Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Andrew Montague last month. The clubhouse and facilities will be completed this year. Celebrations took place at Ballymun library, Ballymun Rd, which included; Irish music & dance courtesy of Radharc Ceilteach.

According to Cathaoirleach Proinsias Ó Conghaíle, having their own clubhouse has been a long-term dream of Cumann Báire Setanta. “This dream is about to be realised. It will mean that Cumann Báire Setanta can increase its profile in the area while continuing to promote the Irish language and culture,” he said. Children with Minister Ahern and

Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Andrew Monatgue at the event

Ciaran Murray BRL fends off a savage hurling attack from Minister Noel Ahern T.D

“We would like to thank everyone who has made a contribution to help make this project happen, especially stakeholders; The Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund, Dublin City Council, Sports Capital Grants Fund, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd., Woodford Developments Ltd. and the GAA.”

Cumann Báire Setanta was founded out of Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch in 1980. Its aim is to promote hurling through the medium of the Irish lan­guage. The club still offers hurling coaching and games in the juvenile and senior hurling leagues and won many honours including winning the all-Ireland, division four, Féile na nGael in Croke Park.

Exciting Arts Opportunities for Ballymun through BG2 Breaking Ground, the Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Per Cent for Art Scheme is entering its second phase of commissioning, BG2 and will provide a wide range of projects which ensure opportunities for local, national and international artists. The first series of BG2 commissions are structured in direct response to intensive community consultation and includes a totally innovative departure in this type of commissioning – a Local Artists’ Commissions strand.

These Local Artists’ Commissions are open to all emerging and established artists who live or work in Ballymun or to artists who were born in Ballymun and are an exciting and unique opportunity for local artists to express their own creativity.

“We are confident that the pool of local talent is of such a standard that the com­missioned artists will make a valuable contribution not only to the cultural life of

In at the deep end Groups of children and adults protesting outside the Ballymun Civic Centre last week at the proposed closure of the old swimming pool in Ballymun led by Paddy Haughey of the Plough Youth Club.

The new Leisure Centre on the Main Street, will replace the existing swimming pool located at rear of AIB bank when it opens its doors when Eamon Ceannt Tower is demol­ished.

The groups are protesting because they believe the new Leisure Centre swimming pool is not deep enough for lifesaving les­sons. They are also concerned that local groups will not have the same access to the new swimming pool as they had in the old pool.

According to a Ballymun Regeneration Ltd report, the New Leisure Centre will cater for pay-per-visit at the same price as other new Dublin City Council pools, that people

Ballymun, but also further afield”. BG2 Director, Aisling Prior

Five commissions will be awarded in the categories of visual arts, video/film, per­forming arts and writing. Applications will be made anonymously and will be judged by panels, comprising local reps and independent curators. Local people interested in representing their communi­ty on a selection panel were invited, through advertising in the press, to nomi­nate themselves onto the BG2 Local Artists’ Commissions selection panels.

To help local people with their applica­tions, BG2 is providing a free proposal development support service. Two inde­pendent arts advisors will be available all

day on 19th and 26th March to help any­one considering making an application with their proposal. It’s always useful to have someone to talk through your ideas with.

This service is free of charge but you will need to book. The one-to-one sessions, lasting between 15 – 30 minutes, will take place in Axis. To book a place please con­tact Denise on 8832112.

Deadlines for the receipt of completed applications is the 31st of March 2005. For further information or a copy of the brief; contact 8832112 or info@breakingground.ie See advertise­ment on page 2.

Local children protesting outside Ballymun Civic Centre with Paddy Haughey. Photo by Seamus Kelly

can join for the year and will be a less expen­sive option for people who intend to use the leisure centre a few days every week.

The report adds that the facility will be avail­

able for local schools and groups and has many extras that the old pool did not includ­ing a sauna, steam room and large fully fitted out gym, with a variety of aerobic and yoga classes.