There was a positive mood at Rathcoole Community Council’s first ever virtual AGM held recently, despite what has been a very challenging year for the community. The virtual meeting was well attended by local residents and two local representatives, Dublin Mid-West TD Emer Higgins and Cllr Shirley O’Hara, both of Fine Gael.
“Even though doors were closed for most of the year, the Rathcoole Community Centre managed to cover its costs in 2020 and make a small surplus thanks to strong management of their team and volunteers, and the help of funding from South Dublin County Council and Pobal,” said Deputy Higgins. “And I am delighted that the two pre-schools located there are now back open and caring for the youngest members of the community and their parents.”
Discussions took place on the proposed extension and alterations to the Rathcoole Courthouse which Rathcoole Community Council were consulted on and is now open for public consultation. Concerns were raised about development of road and water infrastructure for the village and there were positive developments in the area of new Garda provisions for Rathcoole and the ongoing work of the local Tidy Towns group.
“One of my top priorities when I became a Councillor last year was better resourcing Rathcoole Garda Station. At the Joint Policing Committee I strongly advocated for the need for local Community Gardai and I’m really pleased that Rathcoole’s official Community Garda has been working so collaboratively across the community. I also want to commend and congratulate the Tidy towns group who are really doing fantastic work,” said Cllr O’Hara. “We’re all spending more time outside and as we gear up for an outdoor summer you can really see the effort that Rathcoole Tidy Towns are doing to improve the area.” “Huge credit is due to the committee of volunteers who have worked tirelessly on local issues and are really dedicated to the centre,” said Cllr O’Hara. “Upgrading the centre’s fire safety compliance is the next job on the list and I hope the community will donate what they can to supplement any grant the centre receives for this much needed work,” Cllr O’Hara concluded.
A gofundme page has been set up under the Rathcoole Community Centre Upgrade for anyone wishing to make a donation and submissions can be made to the consultation for proposed extension and alterations to Rathcoole Courthouse at consult.sdublincoco.ie.
