Johnston welcomes upgrade works on access to The Brook Beach

Corina Johnston, Area Representative has welcomed the commencement of the upgrade works on the access to The Brook Beach, Portrane. Johnston said;”I am very pleased that our ongoing campaign for a safe and accessible access for everyone to our beach at the Brook, Portrane has been successful as it was the worst entrance to any beach in Fingal. Following an on-site meeting last July, with officials from Fingal County Council, arranged by Duncan Smith TD, We received a commitment from the Council that the funding for a scheme at the Brook would be included in this year’s programme of works. This came in the form of direct communication with Duncan Smith TD and to the council meeting dated 8th September last. Prior to this we were in contact with the National Parks and Wildlife Services who had no difficulties with our proposals. “ Johnston continued;” my colleague Seana O’Rodaigh submitted the following question to September’s Council meeting on my behalf: “To ask the Chief Executive if consideration could be given, in respect of the entrance to the Beach at the Brook Portrane, to design and install a much-needed improvement scheme which could include a tarmacadam surface, kerbing, fencing and to note that such a scheme would both enhance access for people with disabilities, parents with buggies and the physical appearance of the sole access within the village?” In their reply the Council said: The following works at the entrance to the beach at the Brook, Portrane will be included in the 2023 works programme:• The path will be tarmacked, and drainage works will be carried out at the entrance. • The existing fence will be removed, and a solid bar railing will be installed. • The area to the right will be landscaped which will include the installation of a kerb and planting. Johnston concluded; “ We are very pleased that this work is nearing completion which would not have been possible this year without our ongoing campaign and the persistence of Duncan and I. This will enhance access and will improve the appearance within the village. We wish to thank Fingal County Council for taking on board our proposals which will enhance the great work by the Portrane Village Renewal group.”

Spring is here for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs

Spring has finally sprung and that means longer brighter days are just around the corner. It also means Guide Dog Day is approaching, on Friday May 26th ,to be exact, make sure to mark your calendar and updates will follow on all the ways you can support us and our branch for this years Guide Dog day. With summer ever approaching, it also means we have the return of the wonderful Balbriggan Summerfest, which will be running from the 28th May to the 4th June. Once again we at Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs will be attending and we will confirm the date as soon as it is known. We hope to see you there and hopefully the sun will be shining. We are delighted to say the February Féile Baile Brigín which took place on the 10 th and 11th February, with all proceeds in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind was a great success. We would also like to say a really massive thank you to both Damien

O’Shaughnessy and of course to Ann McFadden O’Shaughnessy for organising the event and for their continued support. A fantastic €2,500 was raised and a great day was had by all. We are happy to provide an update on puppy in training Cosmo, who is being puppy raised by branch volunteer, Anne Mulligan. Cosmo is 7 months old now and she continues to do very well with her training. In fact, just recently, she took some time out with her family to visit Assistance Dog ‘Yarrow’, who Anne puppy raised between 2020 and 2021 and is now assisting a little boy in Cork. We will continue to update you on Cosmo’s training. If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact us by any of these: Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 085 7663107, email us at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.