Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The population of Finglas is estimated at 32,000. It is an old area with a long history and has many new projects and developments under way. Finglas is an area that faces many challenges on a daily basis. There is a strong sense of community spirit. However, it has the problems often associated with many built-up urban areas.

It is important to have facilities in place for a growing and ageing population. There is also growth in the number families moving into Finglas and a demand for more. That is why I welcome the development of the site of the former Church of the Annunciation, which is in a prime location in north and west Finglas and which is due to be demolished shortly. The adjoining Fergal's Field site up to Fergal's Lane have been included as part of this development. The Church of the Annunciation has been a well-known and loved landmark for more than 50 years. Thanks to its iconic spire and elevated site, the church can be seen for many miles, not just across Finglas, but across Dublin.

Dublin City Council has purchased the church site and the adjoining Fergal's Field site and has reached an agreement with the HSE to make available a part of the site for a much-needed primary care centre. The centre has been a top priority for the HSE for many years. I have fought for it on behalf of the community in Finglas for a long time. The primary care centre is urgently needed in light of the ageing population in north and west Finglas.

The Church of the Annunciation site is ideally suited for the proposed projects to be located at the new development. Several buses service the area, there are many shops nearby and the West Finglas Tenants and Residents Association, WFTRA, community centre is across the road along with the HSE Odin's Wood day care centre for the elderly.

I have raised the site's development a number of times in the House and, therefore, I am delighted that it appears to be coming to fruition. Part of the plan for the development is to include a Tusla service.

I also welcome Dublin City Council's plans to build accommodation for senior citizens. That will help to alleviate the housing crisis in the area by allowing Dublin City Council to buy-up the houses of those senior citizens who wish to avail of the senior citizens' financial contribution scheme, thereby allowing such houses to become available to accommodate families on the ever-growing housing list in Finglas.

Planning has also been sought for a new church that would be more suited to the needs of the community and its population. I have also requested that for further community gain the Finglas boxing club, which has been in existence for almost 60 years and has had generations of young people from around the area come through its doors, should have its own dedicated premises. I have also requested a room for the local pigeon club. It is very important that the community and the residents in the area are fully consulted on all plans for the site and the proposed developments. The new development will greatly impact on them in the future and any concerns that they have should be accommodated as much as possible.

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