New community centre opens in St Margaret’s

A landmark moment for St Margaret’s was recently celebrated as locals and officials gathered for the official opening of the new St Margaret’s Community Centre, a revitalised hub set to serve generations to come.

Following significant investment by Fingal County Council, the once-vacant former Parish Hall has been transformed into a modern community space that will host clubs, classes and social activities for residents of St Margaret’s and surrounding areas.

The project represents years of effort to secure a dedicated local facility for a village long recognised for its strong sense of community.

Fingal County Council purchased the historic building in 2023 and carried out a major refurbishment with support from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The Council’s application to the scheme was successful, providing vital funding to help acquire the property.

The newly opened centre marks the completion of the first phase of works, with further enhancements planned between 2026 and 2027 to improve accessibility and expand facilities even more.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony drew a large turnout of local representatives, including Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O’Leary, Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly, members of St Margaret’s Amenities CLG, local councillors, TDs and representatives from the Council’s Community Development Office.

Mayor O’Leary described the opening as “a wonderful occasion for the area” and said the project would ensure the building continues to play a central role in local life.

“The Council has invested significantly in this project and we’re proud to have ensured that this facility remains in community hands,” he said.

“This hall is more than just a building; it is a future hub for social interaction, learning and cultural activities, and it underscores Fingal County Council’s commitment to supporting our local communities.”

Students from St Margaret’s National School helped open the new community centre

The building will now be managed by St Margaret’s Amenities CLG, a voluntary group formed in 2024 to oversee operations with ongoing support from the Council’s Community Development Office.

Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said the project demonstrated Fingal County Council’s commitment to strengthening rural communities across the county.

“Community facilities play an essential role in fostering a sense of belonging and connectivity,” she said.

“By securing St Margaret’s Parish Hall, we are providing a tangible asset that will greatly benefit local residents.

“We anticipate that this community facility will quickly become a vibrant focal point, supporting a wide array of local initiatives and enhancing the quality of life for all.”

The historic building has been a familiar presence in St Margaret’s for well over two centuries.

Originally erected in 1786, it first served as the local parish church before the construction of the nearby replacement church.

Over the years it evolved into a parish hall and hosted countless dances, meetings, birthday parties and local gatherings, serving as a cornerstone of social life in the village.

For locals, the new community centre represents not just a restoration of an old building, but a renewal of its original purpose, as a place for people to come together.

With new facilities, modern amenities and a clear plan for future improvements, the hall’s reopening has been warmly welcomed by residents eager to see it once again filled with life, laughter and community spirit.