Plans underway to enhance the Stardust Memorial Park

DUBLIN City Council have been working on a plan over the last two years to enhance the Stardust Park in Coolock. 

Madeleine Ebbs, from the city council’s community section, is heading the project. 

“I have been working on a plan over last two years to replicate the successful model we set up in Darndale Park, in the Stardust Park,” said Ms Ebbs. 

“We now have a collaborative venture with ourselves, DSP, NCU and Northside Partnership. The work, which has started, has the full support of Fergus O’Carroll and Brian Dowling from Parks (in Dublin City Council).

“The project is designed to try to reinvent the park, to reduce negativity and anti-social behaviour, and make it a much safer, cleaner area to visit.

“Brian Dowling, will be responsible for allocating the actual work, I will link in with both Brian and the workers regarding community initiatives. “The workers, are employed under a CE and TUS initiative. “We have over the last year been working away dealing with many of the issues in this area. We have also linked in with the community gardai, who will be visible regularly in the park and surrounding areas.

“We have a plan to work with St Michael’s House, regarding volunteering with clean-ups on some days, and we hope to work towards setting up a ‘Sensory Garden’. We have also looked at the possibility of making a ‘Fairy Garden and Trail’

The Stardust Park is a magical oasis in the middle of Northside suburbia. It comprises 20 acres of beautiful green space with the Santry River flowing through the middle. The river runs into a small lake with a small island that is home to many birds including swans and ducks. 

“It is a great shame it is not utilised much more,” said Ms Ebbs.

“Many people in the area hold the park dear, as the memorial garden was built to commemorate the lives of those who died in the nightclub tragedy. 

“The memorial represents a circular pond with a bronze sculpture of a dancing couple in the middle; 48 jets in the illuminated fountain, which surrounds the sculpture, pump water. Forty-eight pillars enclose the fountain, each pillar representing a person lost in the tragedy.

“To try to promote more people using the park, we started up the Stardust Walking Club almost two years ago.

“It was originally aimed at young parents with children for a meet-up point. 

“As it turned out, an older age profile of people joined in and are now the resident walking club! This 3k walk takes place every Tuesday at 9.30am.

“People have become obsessed with joining gyms and the like, but right here beside your house, you have the ideal training space, fresh air, beautiful surroundings. 

“Walking promotes good health, doctors are now prescribing exercise over pills! Walking might just be the best exercise there is. The continuous feedback from the walkers is always most welcome and encouraging.”