Hey Blanch, welcome to the seventh edition!

Big one today 👀 — Taco Bell opens its doors at 11am in Blanchardstown, and if you’re quick, the first 100 customers get exclusive merch.

We’ve also got a major infrastructure milestone in Ongar, a heated housing debate in Fortlawn, International Women’s Day events, a video game fair this weekend, and our brand new Five Flights Under Fifty section ✈️

Let’s get into it.

It’s official — Taco Bell opens today at 11:00am.

This is the fifth Taco Bell in Ireland and their largest Irish opening to date.

Expect the full menu:
🌮 Crunchy Tacos
🌯 Burritos
🧀 Quesadillas
🔥 Crunchwrap Supreme
🥑 Nachos and more

🎁 The first 100 customers will receive exclusive Taco Bell merchandise.

The restaurant will be open 7 days a week, 11am–11pm for dine-in and takeaway. You can find it above Captain America’s.

If you’re heading down this morning… you might beat the lunchtime rush.

Fingal County Council officially opened the €23 million Ongar Barnhill Road, marking a significant development for Dublin 15.

What it delivers:

The project connects the Barnwell Roundabout in Ongar to the R149 at Barberstown Lane South.

Mayor Cllr Tom O’Leary described it as a “game changer for local families,” highlighting improved school access and sustainable transport links.

The scheme also unlocks housing potential in Barnhill and supports long-term development around Hansfield Station.

A major piece of infrastructure now complete in D15.

Fingal County Council has voted to proceed with plans to demolish four occupied family homes in Fortlawn to make way for 21 new homes.

The debate at the February 9 council meeting lasted over two hours and was described as heated, with strong opposition from several councillors and local residents.

Key points:

The vote to amend the plan (to avoid demolitions) was defeated 20–17.

📍 St Peregrine’s GAA Club (D15 PW80)
🗓️ Saturday, 21 February
🕚 11am–4pm

Ireland’s only dedicated video game market is coming to Blanchardstown.

📍 Huntstown Community Centre
🗓️ Sunday, 8 March
🕦 11:30am–1pm

Celebrate International Women’s Day:

There is no cost, the event is being supported by Fingal County Council.

📞 Book: 01-8220847
📧 [email protected]

#ShineALightForWomen

Clonsilla Tidy Towns are inviting neighbours and volunteers to join them in the Blanchardstown St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

📅 Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
🕛 12:00pm sharp
📍 Starting at Church Avenue / Main Street
🏁 Finishing at Blanchardstown Garda Station

Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or first-timer — all are welcome.

A selection of one-way flights throughout March and April:

As always, prices vary by date and availability — but worth a look if you’re itching for sun or a city break.

Plans to relocate the Rotunda Hospital to Blanchardstown have been thrown into uncertainty.

The Master of the Rotunda has said he cannot foresee the maternity hospital moving to Blanchardstown as previously planned, after An Bord Pleanála overturned planning permission for a proposed €100 million critical care unit on the Connolly Hospital campus.

The relocation — long discussed as part of expanding maternity services in Dublin 15 — was tied to wider development plans at Connolly Hospital.

With planning now blocked, questions are being raised about:

We’ll keep an eye on how this unfolds.

That’s it for Edition 7.

If you’re heading to Taco Bell this morning — let us know how the queue is 👀🌮

And as always, if you have:

Reply to this email and we’ll take a look for the next issue.

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