REVIEW OF THE YEAR: APRIL 2023

Portrane homes are under ‘severe threat’

This month we reported how homes at Beach Lane in Portrane are under the “severe threat” of coastal erosion.

A local Labour representative, Corina Johnston, said that the homes affected by the erosion need to be protected by Fingal County Council before they are irreparably damaged.

“Over the last few years Duncan Smith TD and I have been persistent in pursuing the need for the Beach Lane access road fronting 12 homes to be protected from coastal erosion,” she said.

STARDUST INQUEST BEGINS

Families of the 48 victims of the Stardust fire gathered at the Garden of Remembrance on the morning of Tuesday, April 25, (pictured above) before they walked to the Pillar Rooms, Rotunda Hospital for the start of the inquest they’ve waited 42 years for.

In her opening statement, Dublin coroner Dr Myra Cullinane said the lives of the 48 young people who died in the fire “must be vindicated” and will be central to the inquest.

Following her statement, the first pen portraits were read by the families of Michael Barrett (17) and Caroline Bissett (18).

The Lord Mayor of Dublin and Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port, Cllr Caroline Conroy ges ready with Dublin Port CEO Barry O’Connell. Photos: Robbie Reynolds

Lord Mayor ‘Casts Spear’ at Dublin Port

Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy this month performed the annual ‘Casting of the Spear’ into Dublin Bay, one the most important symbolic occasions on the Dublin Port calendar. In the process, she confirmed her title as Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port, upholding the memory of a 535-year old tale.

In 1488, Lord Mayor of Dublin Thomas Mayler rode on horseback out to the city’s boundaries, facing bitter rain and fierce winds he brandished a spear, which he vaulted out into the sea as he went. Each casting of his spear marked a point on Dublin’s eastward boundary.

Charlie Birds Walk of Friendship

Veteran broadcaster Charlie Bird led a 5km walk through Avondale Forest Park in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, with Samaritans volunteers and supporters on Sunday April 16.

Charlie, who is battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND), vowed to continue his work raising awareness of the charity’s work and extending his hand as friendship as long as he is “mobile and alive”.

Speaking at the event, Charlie’s wife Claire paid tribute to him and called him an inspiration to her and others after going through a “dreadful time” following his diagnoses with MND.

Government underspent €1 billion on housing since 2020

West Dublin TDs voiced their concern after it emerged that the Government “massively” underspent its budget for social and affordable housing over the past three years.

The figures were provided to party spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, by the Department of Housing, confirming a €1.5 billlion underspend in the capital budget for housing from 2020 to 2023.

Dublin West TD Paul Donnelly said “particular concern is that €1,004,926 of the underspend is from the capital budget for social and affordable housing delivery.

Picture shows President Biden and Taoiseach Leo Varadakar with young GAA players at Farmleigh House

Biden visits Dublin

US President Joe Biden was a very welcomed visitor to the Northside this month. Day three of his four-day state visit was spent in Áras an Uachtaráin and Farmleigh House before he made an historic address to the Dail.

He concluded his visit to Dublin with a banquet dinner at St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle. The 46th president of the United States dined with former Irish presidents and Taoisagh, current Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Micheál Martin, and Ministers Simon Coveney, Darragh O’Brien, and Catherine Martin among other Cabinet members and opposition TDs. Marie Heaney, the wife of the late poet Seamus Heaney, outgoing RTÉ director general Dee Forbes, Ireland football manager Stephen Kenny, former rugby player Rob Kearney, GAA pundit Joe Brolly and footballer Stephanie Roche were also in attendance as were Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Defence Forces Chief of Staff Seán Clancy.

The Catch’ turns the spotlight on Balbriggan once again

Balbriggan’s credentials as a location for film and television were enhanced again this month by hit Virgin Media series ‘The Catch’. The town’s innate charm and the stunning beauty of the surrounding area is proving a hit with film and television producers.