We are pleased to inform residents that Dublin City Council is arranging a Hallowe’en Fireworks Display in Donaghmede Park, bordering Donaghmede and Grange Abbey, on the evening of Saturday 31st October 2015. The display will be staged by a professional pyrotechnics company engaged by Dublin City Council, and will take place at approximately 6pm on a site at the railway end of the park, near the new sports area. There will be music from 5.30pm in the lead-up to the fireworks display itself.

DERA is seeking the support of volunteers from all communities to steward this unique event; this support is essential for a successful evening. If you wish to volunteer as a steward or help in any way, please contact the Committee.

Note: The display site will be cordoned off from public access in order to prepare for the display; there will be strictly no entry to this area before, during or after the display for as long as required by the display operator and Dublin City Council. In view of the fireworks display, no bonfires must be set in Donaghmede Park as a Health & Safety precaution.

Reminder: All households, traders and factories in the area are asked to heed the notices given by Dublin City Council, Dublin Fire Brigade, An Garda Síochána and DERA. Do not dispose of materials of any kind that might be used in a bonfire. It is an offence to do so, and is also a major safety hazard putting lives, property and our environment at risk. In particular, please take care to secure your wheelie bins at this time.

Health & Safety are our first priority. Please obey the Gardaí and Stewards at the event. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be supervised at all times. Restricted lighting is necessary to achieve maximum effect with the fireworks display. For your personal safety and that of those in your care, please bring a torch. Please do no litter. Strictly no alcohol permitted at this event. Declan Rice, Health & Safety Officer, DERA

No liability shall attach itself to DERA from any damage, injury or loss arising from any aspect of this event.

Members of the DERA Committee attended a Community Reception hosted by President Michael D. Higgins and Mrs. Sabina Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin in recognition of their work for and on behalf of the community of Donaghmede Estate. The event was attended by representatives of Residents’ Associations and Community Groups nationwide. Those present enjoyed a social afternoon with high tea and entertainment in the company of the President and Mrs. Higgins.

The Band of An Garda Síochána, under the leadership of Insp. Pat Kenny, provided a very entertaining evening of music and song in Donaghmede Shopping Centre on 16th July. The concert was enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The Festival Social Night was held in The Donaghmede Inn on 18th July, with an enjoyable evening had by all.

The Festival Weekend got off to a great start on Saturday 25th July with the Dog Show, organised by Tommy Foster, which attracted its largest entry to date.

Unfortunately the adverse weather conditions on Sunday meant that the planned Gala Parade and Fun Day had to be abandoned. Our thanks go to all who turned out in hope of a break in the rain, sponsors and participants alike. We’ll have to wait for another occasion to see Kerrigan Meats‘ super-BBQ in action!

Thankfully the Senior Citizens’ Day Out a few days later saw better weather, with almost 150 residents enjoying a tour of Dún Laoghaire and a meal in Bewley’s Hotel. Special thanks go to Angela Owens for organising a very enjoyable day, to the Dublin Bus drivers who volunteered their time, and to Donaghmede Shopping Centre manager Pat McCabe and News Centre and Card Shop proprietor Joe Sweeney for their generous sponsorship.

Thanks also to Dublin City Council North Central Area deputy manager Elaine Mulvenny for her support and interest in DERA events.