Axis Café closure is a devastating blow for Ballymun, says Reddy

People Before Profit Councillor Conor Reddy has called for urgent intervention to save the Axis Café in Ballymun following its closure last Thursday.

The café is now undergoing a process to determine its longer-term future after experiencing financial difficulties linked to rising business costs, falling customer spending and the wider cost of living crisis.

Cllr Reddy said any solution must also protect workers who have given years of service to the café and the community.

“Axis Café is not just another business. It is a vital community space in Ballymun.

“Older residents meet there regularly for breakfast, tea and coffee. Disabled young people, including groups from St Michael’s House, use it as a social outlet and a space to build independence. Local services and community organisations use it as a meeting place.

“The staff know people by name, know their regular orders and have built real relationships over many years.

“If this café is lost, it will be deeply felt across Ballymun.”

Cllr Reddy said the closure comes after years of neglect and broken promises for the area.

“Ballymun has been promised regeneration, investment and amenities for decades.

“Large amounts of money have been spent on regeneration but how many of the goals of regeneration have we met?

“We’ve seen delay after delay, the failure of the shopping centre to materialise, the closure of the Grian Café and continued neglect from the state.”

“It’s been a difficult few months locally, people are being hit particularly hard by the cost of living crisis and Dublin City Council’s rent increases.

“I spoke to a local business owner who told me their takings were down by over 5% in the first week after the rent hikes came in.

“These increases have put pressure on tenants, families and local businesses. No doubt they have played a role here too.”

Cllr Reddy stressed that the blame does not lie with Axis.

“Axis has done and will continue to do tremendous work in Ballymun.

“The failure here is political.

“The Government and Dublin City Council should be supporting vital community infrastructure before it reaches crisis point.

“This also has to be seen in the wider context of the closure of the Complex and other arts, cultural and community venues across the city.

“Places like Axis Café are part of the social fabric of our city. They should be treated as community assets and funded on that basis, not left to sink or swim.”

Cllr Reddy confirmed that he is meeting local residents who use the café and is supporting a petition campaign organised by local resident Erica Kiernan and other café users.

“I’ll be raising this at every opportunity. People power will be essential if we are to save this café.

“We need Dublin City Council and relevant government departments to step in with the funding needed to protect a space that means so much to so many people.”