Hey {{first name | Blanch}}, happy Friday! ☀️

Welcome to Edition 18 of the Blanch Bulletin. A quietish week to be honest!

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

We’d also like your input: would you like us to cover another topic (such as local crime) or is there segment that would be useful or interesting for each edition?

Let’s get into it 👇

Infrastructure 🏠

€16m Landbank Could Shape Dublin 15’s Next Decade 🏗️

A massive 268-acre landholding in Kilmartin has hit the market — and it could play a major role in the future growth of Dublin 15.

Located beside growing communities like Hollystown, Tyrrelstown and Ongar, the site is being offered for €16 million and is already being closely watched by developers and investors.

While currently zoned for agriculture, the land sits within the Blanchardstown development boundary — meaning it’s seen as a natural next step for expansion in the area.

With strong demand from first-time buyers, proximity to major employers like Blanchardstown Corporate Park and Damastown, and increasing national housing targets, this site is being positioned as one of the last major large-scale development opportunities in northwest Dublin.

If rezoned, it could significantly shape housing, jobs, and infrastructure locally over the next decade.

Paid Parking 🚗

Blanch Paid Parking Decision Delayed Again 🚧

The decision on the Blanchardstown Mobility Enhancement Plan has now been pushed back to June 17th.

The delay comes after strong community engagement with the No Barriers to Blanch campaign.

Campaigners say the continued delays are adding pressure on decision-makers, while also calling for direct engagement with Blanchardstown Centre — a meeting that has yet to be confirmed despite being requested weeks ago.

For now, the future of access, traffic flow, and pedestrian movement around the area remains unresolved.

Image Credit: Luke Daly

Education 📚

D15 Special Education Places Report Out This Week 🎓

A long-awaited report into the shortage of special education places in Dublin 15 is expected within days.

The report follows sustained pressure from families in the area, who have been highlighting the lack of suitable school places for children with additional needs.

A dedicated taskforce was set up in 2024 and submitted recommendations last year — but delays in publication have caused frustration locally.

The upcoming report is expected to outline both the scale of the issue and next steps to address growing demand.

Image Credit: Síle Parsons

Public Transport 🚌

Bank Holiday Travel Disruptions: What You Need to Know 🚌

If you’re heading into town this Bank Holiday weekend, expect major disruptions.

A Sunday timetable will operate on Monday, meaning reduced frequency across services.

In addition, the Dublin City Half Marathon on Sunday will bring widespread road closures and diversions — with O’Connell Street closing as early as 3am and multiple routes affected throughout the morning.

Nearly 20 Dublin Bus routes will be diverted, including services connecting to Dublin 15.

If you’re travelling, give yourself extra time and check routes in advance.

What’s On 🎭

What’s On: A Huge May Lineup at Draíocht 🎥

Draíocht is kicking off a packed May schedule with something for everyone — from live music and comedy to family events and workshops.

Highlights include:

  • KidKast Showcase (May 5th) – celebrating young local talent

  • Song Sung Blue (May 6th) – film screening with a star-studded cast

  • PATIENT:SOLDIER (May 7th) – powerful live theatre performance

  • Shane Daniel Byrne (May 8th) – one of Ireland’s top comedy acts

  • Route 66 Big Band (May 9th) – live concert experience

  • Toddler Take Over (May 14th) – a favourite for families

  • National Drawing Day (May 16th) – creative sessions for all ages

  • Summer Country Show (May 19th) – featuring big Irish names

  • Starkids on Stage (May 22–24) – local performers take the spotlight

There are also weekly graffiti workshops running throughout the month as part of Cruinniú na nÓg.

In The Community 🚧

Blanch Native Katja Mia Takes on New National Radio Role 📻

Blanchardstown’s own Katja Mia is stepping into a major new role on RTÉ 2FM.

She’ll co-host the weekday Drive slot alongside Laura Fox, with her first show airing on May 5th.

After leaving her previous TV role, Katja described the opportunity as a “pinch me moment” — and shared behind-the-scenes clips of her first training day this week.

A big move — and a proud local moment.

Food 🍔

HUGG: DIY Woodworking Workshop

HUGG continues to provide vital support in Dublin 15.

Their Blanchardstown support group offers a safe, confidential space for adults bereaved by suicide to connect with others who understand.

  • Meets monthly (Tuesday evenings, 7:30pm)

  • Led by trained volunteers with lived experience

  • Free to attend

They’re also hosting a DIY Woodworking Workshop in Tallaght Library on May 23rd — a practical, supportive day focused on connection and learning new skills.

Advertising 🔈

Got Something to Advertise? 📣

If you run a local business, event, class, or community initiative, you can now promote it directly to our 1025+ Blanchardstown locals through The Blanch Bulletin.

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

Interested? Reply ‘INTERESTED’ with some details about what you would like to advertise and we can discuss further or download our media pack below.

We currently have availability on:

  • 8th May: Available

  • 15th May: Available

Current promotional offer: 1 slot: €50, 2 slots: €80 (20% off), 3 slots: €120 (20% off)

Across The Country 🇮🇪

Students escape bus fire, M50 congestion solutions, NI presidential voting proposal

That’s it for this week and our eighteenth edition.

And as always, if you have:

  • a local business to promote

  • a story worth sharing

  • an event coming up

Reply INTERESTED’ to this email and we’ll take a look for an upcoming issue.

We’d also like your input: would you like us to cover local crime in each edition?

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

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