Hey Blanch, welcome to Edition 13 of The Blanch Bulletin. We are celebrating a massive milestone this week…

Thank you to everyone who has supported and shared us since we started just 3 months ago. We hope we are bringing you genuine value every Friday.

We also have to mention last night… a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss for Ireland that brings our World Cup hopes to an end. A tough one to take.

Let’s get into it 👇

A petition opposing the introduction of paid parking at Blanchardstown Centre is being formally presented to the centre’s owners today.

The plans — part of a wider €60m redevelopment including a new “Blue Mall” — would introduce barrier-controlled parking by 2027.

The proposal has sparked strong reaction locally, with over 10,600 signatures gathered so far. Concerns centre around cost of living pressures, accessibility, and the potential impact on workers, businesses and essential local services.

Equinix has begun construction of a new data centre in Blanchardstown — representing an investment of over €80m.

The facility will be built using existing power capacity, avoiding additional strain on the grid — a key factor given ongoing national debate around data centres.

Learner drivers in Mulhuddart are facing some of the longest waits in the country right now.

Applications are also rising, adding further pressure to an already stretched system.

For many in Dublin 15, this means months of delays impacting work, college, and day-to-day life — with some now travelling outside the area just to get a quicker test date.

Recent rule changes have also seen 1,200+ learners turned away nationally, adding to the backlog.

A recent change to insurance requirements has already seen over 1,200 learners turned away from tests.

Many drivers were unaware of the update, which led to cancellations on the day.

The rules have now been adjusted — with digital proof of insurance accepted — and affected learners are being prioritised for new dates.

Still, with long waits already in place locally, it’s added frustration for many.

St Patrick’s Senior School in Corduff has been left out of the new DEIS Plus scheme — which provides additional supports to schools in disadvantaged areas.

The programme includes extra resources for mental health, wellbeing and educational support.

Despite clear challenges for an area beset in recent years by a vicious feud involving local rival gangs, the school was not included and is expected to appeal the decision.

Students from Blakestown Community School have been recognised at the Rubbish Film Festival, winning Best Poster.

The initiative encourages young people to explore climate action through creativity — linking local issues with global environmental challenges.

A great bit of positive news from the area.

The Street Feast Roadshow lands in Mulhuddart Community Centre this Saturday (1:30pm – 3:30pm).

It’s all about helping locals organise neighbourhood gatherings ahead of the national Street Feast weekend in May.

TODAY - Friday 27th March
The afternoon will bring a mix of sunshine and a good lot of dry weather, but with some showers around too, a few on the heavy side further north. Later this evening the showers will become more frequent and heavier in the northwest. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees with westerly winds increasing moderate to fresh for the afternoon, stronger for western and northwestern coasts.

TONIGHT
Clear spells and scattered showers tonight, most frequent in the north and west. Some of the showers will be heavy or thundery with hail possible. There'll also be some falls of sleet, mainly on high ground. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees generally, falling to 0 degrees locally, with some frost and possible ice, in mostly moderate, occasionally fresh, westerly winds, strong along Atlantic coasts.

TOMORROW - Saturday 28th March
Sunny spells and showers tomorrow morning, these most frequent in Ulster and parts of Connacht and north Leinster, some heavy, with the chance of isolated thunderstorms, hail and a little sleet on high ground. The showers will ease during the afternoon, becoming isolated for the evening. Highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in moderate to fresh and gusty west to northwest winds, strong for western and northern coasts, easing mostly light through the evening.

Tonight from 8pm at the Draíocht!

A live orchestral experience inspired by Bridgerton, combining classical music with immersive visuals and lighting.

Something a bit different for a local night out.

If you run a local business, event, class, or community initiative, you can now promote it directly to our now 1000+ 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.

Note: April 17th edition has now been reserved. We currently have availability on:

And as always, if you have:

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

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