Good news as local centre in Hartstown to be taken over by Fingal

Ongoing discussions between Fingal County Council, St Ciaran’s Parish and the Hartstown Community Centre’s Board of Management about the future of the much-used local facility have resulted in an agreement that will see Fingal become the new owners of the centre and surrounding land.

As part of the transfer, Fingal plans to undertake substantial repair and remedial works at the centre which is a place many community and volunteer groups utilise weekly for meetings and activities to support the local area. The Council will also provide support to the centre through the Council’s Community Development team to ensure it is able to continue the good work it does on community outreach and support any future support services.  

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony, said: “This is good news for the people of Hartstown, as the centre will undergo a significant refurbishment that will enhance its role within the community and allow it to continue as a highly-valued facility in Dublin 15.”

Robert Burns, Director of Community Development at Fingal County Council said: “We have been working closely with St Ciaran’s Parish to ensure that the community centre can remain at the core of public activity in Hartstown. This decision has been made in order to try and protect and maintain the operations and community services that currently operate here, as well as to provide certainty for the people of Hartstown.” 

Built in in the 1990s, Hartstown Community Centre is used to a great extent, including after school groups, bingo nights, karate clubs and for preschool play. It has however faced a number of challenges over many years, but thanks to the dedicated volunteer staff in place it has been able to keep open its doors and provide an outlet for the local community to gather and take part in a wide range of events and initiatives across all age groups. 

Fr Joe Coyne, parish priest of St Ciaran’s, said: “I welcome the transfer of ownership of Hartstown Community Centre to Fingal County Council. The need for a community centre for Hartstown was recognised right from the beginning of St Ciaran’s Parish. The community centre was built before the church and has always played an important role in the community, served by a local management committee. The church, St Ciaran’s National School and the community centre share the car park and co-operate for the benefit of the community."

“The Parish of St Ciaran’s and the community centre will continue to be allies in meeting the needs of a very mixed community. The transfer will enhance the work and the range of services offered by the small, hard-working management committee. I look forward to an even more vibrant Hartstown Community Centre.”

It is hoped that the transfer from St Ciaran’s Parish to Fingal County Council will be completed within a relatively short timeframe.