Fingal Council takes over control of Hartstown Community Centre

Hartstown Community Centre is now in the hands of Fingal County Council after the formal transfer of the facility took place before Christmas.

In July, it was revealed that the council would be taking over ownership of the centre after entering into an agreement with St Ciaran’s Parish and the Hartstown Community Centre’s Board of Management.

The board of management said earlier in the year that the centre was in danger of closing down if more funding cannot be found.

It said that major repair works were needed to maintain the building that is used by several local clubs and over 1,000 families.

The board had been running on a voluntary basis for the past three years and the centre currently employed four part-time Tús workers to help with the day-to-day maintenance of the building alongside supervisor Darren Quinn.

It said in July that it did not have the funds to hire a centre manager “which threatens the centre’s ability to remain open.”

However, it now appears that the community facility will be kept open as Fingal County Council has agreed to take over control of the centre.

In a statement sent to councillors, FCC said it could confirm that the transfer was complete and that the Community Development Department was to “continue to engage with the centre’s Board of Management and we have now put in place interim staffing and management assistance supports.

“There remain a number of issues around supporting the continued safe operation of childcare facilities at the centre and we continue to with Tusla, the Board of Management and chilcare facility operators to address these issues,” it said.

“We can provide a fuller update at a later time”.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Angela Donnelly says the community centre is an invaluable amenity to the area.

“The board of management of Hartstown Community Centre has done a tremendous job bringing the centre up to the standard it is currently at,” she told Northside People.

“They are dedicated to the community it serves and are to be commended for their efforts.

“Sinn Fein Dublin West are committed to helping the centre reach it’s potential and will continue to support the efforts of the board of management.

“We will continue to engage with all the stakeholders to ensure this happens,” she said.