Hey Blanch, welcome to Edition 9 of The Blanch Bulletin.

There’s a bit of sunshine over Dublin 15 this morning - even if it’s still a little chilly out there. After a busy week locally and nationally, we’re back with your Friday round-up of the stories shaping Blanchardstown and beyond.

Before we start: we hit 800 subscribers last week. Thank you!

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Now: onto this week’s edition 👇

It’s been a busy one locally and nationally. Check it out:

We are losing another local legend after the news about TGI Fridays.

Fingal County Council has approved plans to convert the Leisureplex building in Blanchardstown into a large retail unit, despite several objections from local residents and politicians.

The two-storey entertainment venue — which currently offers bowling, arcade games and laser tag — has long been a popular spot for families and youth groups in the area.

However, the building’s owners applied last year to change its use to a single large retail space.

Several objections were lodged during the planning process, including concerns that:

Despite the objections, Fingal planners approved the application this week, noting that the site has long been zoned as “shopping centre” land and that the development could create full-time and part-time jobs.

The building’s exterior will remain mostly unchanged, though a new entrance will be added at the side.

The retailer set to occupy the space has not yet been confirmed.

Blanchardstown has been chosen as the location for the first Popeyes restaurant in Ireland.

The famous New Orleans fried chicken chain confirmed this week that its first Irish location will open in Blanchardstown this spring, with a second planned for Westmoreland Street in Dublin city centre later this year.

The expansion could create up to 500 jobs nationwide in 2026 as the brand establishes itself in Ireland.

Blanchardstown Centre has frequently served as an entry point for international brands testing the Irish market, and Popeyes joins a growing list of global food chains opening in the area.

An official opening date has not yet been announced.

After discussion in recent weeks, plans to move The Rotunda maternity hospital to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown have now officially been abandoned.

The Government has instead decided to support a new extension at the Rotunda’s existing Dublin city centre site.

The revised proposal will include:

The decision means the Rotunda will remain at its historic Parnell Square location, rather than relocating to Blanchardstown as previously proposed.

Luxury fashion retailer Flannels will close its Blanchardstown Centre store this July.

The shop opened in December 2022 in the former Debenhams space and stocked high-end brands including Burberry, Stone Island and Tom Ford.

Despite an initially strong launch, the retailer has struggled to maintain momentum as online shopping continues to challenge large physical stores.

Its closure will leave another major anchor unit vacant in the shopping centre.

In more huge changes in the Centre, The Westend Commercial Village on Snugborough Road has been put up for sale with a price of €14.5 million.

The retail complex includes businesses such as:

It is currently fully occupied and generating over €1.1 million in annual rent.

Property agents say the site could also offer future redevelopment potential due to its location and layout.

The Blanchardstown St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 17 at 12pm.

The parade route runs:

Main Street → Clonsilla Road → finishing near Blanchardstown Garda Station.

Fingal County Council is also introducing a Best Dressed Group competition, with prizes including:

Expect music, community groups, sports clubs and local organisations to take part as the area celebrates St Patrick’s Day.

A travelling National Famine Way Roadshow will visit Blanchardstown Library on March 19th.

The free event will feature talks from historians and heritage experts exploring the story behind the 165km National Famine Way walking route, which commemorates the forced emigration march of 1,490 people from Strokestown during the Great Famine.

🗓 Thursday, March 19
🕑 2pm – 3:30pm
📍 Blanchardstown Library

Admission is free, but advance registration is required.

Enjoy today’s sunshine while it lasts.

Met Éireann says conditions will become more unsettled next week, with rain spreading from the Atlantic and temperatures around 8–12°C.

Expect a cloudier weekend with patches of rain by Sunday.

Fingal County Council has launched a major county-wide programme for International Women’s Day 2026, with more than 65 events taking place between March 2nd and March 8th.

This year’s theme is “Give To Gain”, highlighting how communities grow when people share knowledge, opportunities, mentorship and support.

The programme includes a wide range of events organised by community groups across Fingal, including:

Most events are open to the public, offering a chance to get involved, meet new people and celebrate the role women play across local communities.

📅 Events run March 2–8 across Fingal.

If you run a local business, event, class, or community initiative, you can now promote it directly to 800+ Blanchardstown locals through The Blanch Bulletin.

We offer featured placements and sponsored spots to help local organisations get extra visibility in the newsletter.

Interested? Get in touch at [email protected] and I can send over the details.

That’s it for Edition 9.

Thanks again for 800 subscribers! We are excited to continue growing.

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Thanks {{first name | Blanch}} and have a great weekend! 😊