Welcome to Edition 16 of the Blanch Bulletin.

Another packed week locally — from potential big changes at Blanchardstown Centre to powerful personal stories and ongoing debates around housing and infrastructure in Dublin 15.

As always, if you’re enjoying the newsletter, share it with someone local — it really helps it grow.

Let’s get into it 👇

Blanchardstown Centre could potentially be changing hands again.

Reports suggest that its current owners - US investment firm Strategic Value Partners - are considering a sale just 18 months after purchasing the centre for around €600 million.

The centre remains one of Ireland’s largest retail destinations:

If a sale does go ahead, it would likely exceed €700 million — although only a small number of buyers would be in a position to acquire it.

While nothing is confirmed yet, it’s another sign of how valuable the Blanchardstown Centre continues to be within Ireland’s retail landscape.

A powerful and emotional episode of the Talking Bollox podcast this week featured local Paul Flaherty from Whitestown.

Paul spoke about the sudden loss of his son Cillian, who tragically passed away in 2024 at just 15 years old.

Paul shared how fitness has helped his family cope with grief — and highlighted the importance of heart health checks.

He is also planning another memorial run in Hartstown Park this summer, following last year’s event.

You can follow Paul on Instagram: @paul23flaherty

I would recommend everyone to listen to it, as it’s a very special episode.

Fingal Food Markets are set to return for 2026 — and organisers are now looking for traders.

Following a successful pilot last year, the initiative is back and aiming to showcase:

If you’re in the food space, this could be a great opportunity to get involved this summer.

Register interest:
[email protected]

A great result locally — Clonsilla Tidy Towns have picked up a 2025 Tidy Towns Endeavour Award.

The award recognises the ongoing work of volunteers who continue to improve and maintain the area.

It’s a reflection of:

A big win for the area and well deserved.

Following last week’s announcement of 5,000 new homes across Fingal, more details have emerged — and not everyone is fully on board.

While areas like Dunsink remain a key focus, concerns have now been raised around:

Some councillors warned that parts of the plan:

Supporters argue the expansion is necessary to meet housing demand, while critics say better use should be made of already approved sites.

It’s likely this will remain a major talking point locally in the months ahead.

Calls are growing for more sports infrastructure across Dublin 15 — particularly football pitches.

Councillors highlighted that:

There are also wider concerns that:

The council says plans are in place through a recreational hub model, but clubs are still waiting for progress.

Dublin 15 could be on the verge of a tourism boost — particularly linked to sport.

With major developments at the National Sports Campus, including:

Councillors say the area now needs:

The concern is simple — without accommodation and amenities, Dublin 15 could miss out on hosting major international events.

The opportunity is there — now it’s about building around it.

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