2
North Central Area Libraries Have you ever seen the seagulls a-flyin' o'er the heather, or the crimson sails on Galway Bay the fishermen unfurl? Oh, the Earth is full of
beauty, and it's gathered all together in the form and face and dainty grace of a pretty Irish girl. Oh, she is my dear, my darling one, her eyes so sparklin' full of fun, no other, no other can match the likes of her! She is my dear, my darling one, my smilin' and beguilin' one; I
love the ground she walks upon, my darling Irish girl! Herminie Templeton Kavanagh, Darby O'Gill & the good people
This St. Patrick’s Day why not find a bundle of books at the end of the
rainbow? Or maybe even the latest box set on DVD to borrow? Why not join
your local library today? It is truly a wonderful resource, there’s so much to
learn & do!
For further information click here.
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
3
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
A tribute to our Jim
Who was Jim Lee? Our “Community & Social Development
Officer”? The former “Rapid Co-ordinator”? These were
just his titles.
Jim was infinitely so much more than that. He was an
integral part of so many lives in Dublin City Council and
beyond. For his family, friends and colleagues who were
close to him and the communities that he served so very
well, his loss is immeasurable.
Jim was a very warm, charismatic, kind hearted man, who
never once forgot that “people” are and should be at the
core of what we do here in Dublin City Council.
A dedicated community man, he took pride in his role as
CSDO and had a great rapport not only with the public, but with our Councillors, the JPC, the
Partnership and other agencies that he regularly engaged with. This deep rooted sense of
community was ever present in all aspects of Jim’s life and his extensive voluntary work on
behalf of the people of his beloved East Wall was very important to him.
On a personal level, Jim was an incredibly funny man, with an uplifting sense of humour and
an infectious laugh. If Jim had a fit of the giggles, that was it, we all did! Highly intelligent,
he had a broad knowledge base and a unique skill set, including a considerable talent as a
photographer and aviation journalist in his spare time. As our “elder lemon”, he happily
mentored those of us who were willing to learn, generously sharing his vast knowledge and
his “tricks of the trade”. Working with him was a pleasure because Jim managed to do what
few others can—to be your boss and your friend too, without compromising either
relationship. He was very loyal, with an acute sense of “fair play” and was always proud of
his team and their achievements and told them so. In an ever changing world and
workplace, Jim Lee was one of a kind and sadly, we will never see his like again.
We spend so much of our lives in the company of our colleagues, in fact, sometimes more so
than with our own families. It is not surprising therefore, that the death of a colleague can
knock the stuffing out of us every bit as much as the loss of a family
member. Our colleagues are in essence, our work family, so treat
them accordingly…as Jim would say “posthumous awards are about
as much use as a glass hammer”… and “if you want to get ahead, get
a hat like mine…”!
Rest in peace gentleman Jim, dear friend you are truly missed.
4
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
Graffiti Removal Services in the North Central Area
Buddy says ….“Graffiti is a Crime….# Think don't tag”
Did you know that in 2016, €90,000 was spent in the North Central Area
removing circa 10,000m3 of graffiti? Yes I’ll say that again...€90,000! What a
waste! Citywide, the spend was €1m, with Iarnrod Eireann spending €350,000
country wide! Some of this money could be better spent on parks, libraries &
other essential services. To this end, Dublin City Council has now launched it’s
‘Graffiti is a Crime, #Think Don’t Tag’ Campaign. To view the campaign video,
click here.
5
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
Roads Maintenance Services in the North Central Area
What a difference a day makes….
There was a huge amount of reparatory work done by Roads Maintenance
Services under contract in the North Central Area during 2016.
All credit to Shane Satell, our Executive Engineer, who managed these
contracts, ensuring that they were delivered to a very high quality, within a
short timeframe, whilst achieving real value for money. For further details,
click here.
Before
After
6
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
Introducing Connell McGlynn, Senior Staff Officer
The North Central Area Office is delighted
to welcome Connell McGlynn to the team.
Connell comes to us with a wealth of
experience, having worked in Housing for
20 years based in Ballymun. He also
managed the relocation process during the
regeneration of Ballymun which involved
dealing with tenants, contractors, utilities,
social services & other agencies.
Connell also has experience in dealing with
community groups, sports groups &
residents’ associations.
In his new role here, Connell will be the main point of contact for the
consultative forum on the Oscar Traynor Lands building Project.
He will also be liaising with other projects such as;
Trinity Sports & Leisure development
Role with site and land initiatives
Edenmore Boxing Club development
The management & staff of the area office wish him all the very best in his
new role.
7
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
8
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
Team Dublin Clean-up is back!
Just a little taster to whet your
spring cleaning appetite...yes it
isn't just the house that needs a
spring clean…
The 2nd Annual TEAM DUBLIN
clean-up is back and will take
place on Good Friday 14th April
from 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Don’t forget that involvement in
this very worthwhile initiative will
count towards your City
Neighbourhoods entry so
remember to take pictures &
record the work that you & your
community has done.
Details on how to register will be
available in the next issue closer
to the day and will also be posted
on our website.
9
Walkies! - Grab your runners quick….
North Central has gone walking crazy!
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
Whether they’re a brand spanking new pair of converse or just your favourite
smelly old runners, once they’re comfy, just grab ‘em and go. There are foot
prints all over the North Central Area as couch potatoes are transforming
themselves into fit walking enthusiasts, embracing the great outdoors and
getting to socialise and meet new people from the area as they go. We have
two walking groups up and “walking” & a Park Run Programme up and
“running” in the area at the moment with more planned.
Belmayne/Clongriffin Couch to Park Run Programme –click here.
Drumcondra, Killester, Marino Older Persons Walking Group
Stardust Memorial Park Walking Group
Photos from Operation Transformation
10
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
Gateway gets going in Darndale Park
And the community gets planting…..!
The Gateway Scheme is proving hugely successful in Darndale Park and thanks
to the dynamic combination of North Central’s Senior Community
Development Officer Madeleine Ebbs and Brian Dowling from our Parks
Department, new trees will be blooming beautifully in the park too! With
help from the locals including the children from Darndale Immaculate School,
not to mention Councillor Alison Gilliland, the tree planting day was great
fun! For further information click here.
11
Celebrate International Women’s Day
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
Join the ladies of
St. Joseph’s Craft Group as
they celebrate International
Women’s Day. Supported by
North Central’s Community
Team.
For further details click here.
12
To remove your name from our mailing list, please click here or call 222 8870 - Questions or comments, contact us or call 222 8870
Back issues of “North Central Area Matters”
For back issues of the North Central Area Matters, click here.
Your Council, Your Area Office,
Working with You, for You
In Partnership
Money Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS)
Are you or someone you know having
difficulties budgeting & making ends
meet? The lovely ladies in the Money
Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS)
(who are our neighbours here in the
Northside Civic Centre) asked that we
remind you of MABS services.
With a team of dedicated professionals,
the staff in MABS are very able & willing
to help. For further information on the
work of MABS, click here.