Category Twelve – Urban Neighbourhoods
Winner: Bayside, Dublin, Fingal Council Area
Summary:
The urban village of Bayside on Dublin Bay is between the villages of Sutton and Kilbarrack, in the Fingal administrative area. This urban neighbourhood of about 2000 houses comprises a shopping centre, DART station, primary school, church and a thriving community. Bayside Community Association (BCA) was formed in 2017 to strengthen the community both culturally and environmentally. Since then the residents have created community gardens and a community orchard on a third of an acre. Over 50 residents regularly tend to the Orchard with many more enjoying its amenities. This planting has enhanced bio-diversity and is now part of a Bee corridor. BCA has commissioned two arts projects, with support from FCC, one a mural at the DART station and the other a re-imagined stone circle which highlights ways to recycle plastic. In 2019 BAC organized a pop-up Gaeltacht “Ri Ra Cois Ba”. BCA boasts a vibrant, diverse and inter-generational committee with the energy and imagination to make Bayside a community of which to be proud.
Community Contact: Rafe Costigan
Citation:
The judges heard a wonderful story of a very large mature housing estate. The level of participation and community engagement has been extraordinary with an extensive range of fantastic participative initiatives. This entry really impressed the judges with its focused approach, energetic committee and excellent relationship building.
