Finglas Village 21st April 2023:
Finglas locals, community organisations and representatives (including the Finglas Lord Mayor Linda Emmett) were joined by Finglas Tidy Towns members, local Community Gardaí, Dublin City Council Officials and members of the PACE team to participate in the public unveiling by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Caroline Conroy, of The Leaf Sculpture on Seamus Ennis Road.
Symbolising a fresh start, emphasising positive change and representing progression for Finglas, the sculpture was created at the PACE metalwork workshop and was donated by PACE to Finglas Tidy Towns. Its installation was facilitated by the Finglas Tidy Towns Committee and funded by Dublin City Council Public Domain Team.
In her speech the Lord Mayor affirmed that “the Leaf in the heart of Finglas Village is an excellent example of a community project making a real difference within the locality” adding that “this enhancement is part of an ongoing programme by Dublin City Council (DCC) to support business, community and the attractiveness of Finglas Village for visitors.”
Councillor Conroy commended Finglas Village Tidy Towns volunteers on their tireless work since 2007 of “enhancing Finglas Village by carrying out regular clean ups, planting projects, liaising with Schools, Dublin City Council and many other groups, running local events and much more.”
She thanked the PACE team, Lisa, Maggie, Trish, and Damien as well as Finglas Tidy Towns, and the North West Area Public Domain Team for this welcome addition to Finglas Village.
Dr. Lisa Cuthbert, CEO of PACE highlighted how the “turning over of a new leaf” is at the heart of the work that PACE does in creating opportunities for people with criminal convictions to contribute positively to the community.
She thanked colleagues Emma, Don and Damien for their creativity and work in the design and development of the sculpture. “It is an amazing piece of art and will stand the test of time in its new home. The partnership between PACE, Finglas Tidy Towns and DCC has been a very positive one and has provided plenty of opportunities for colourful and collaborative work to take place. It is always positive when we can evidence the difference that can be made when people choose to work together and when we can provide opportunities for people to give back to the community as a whole.”
She thanked Philomena and Finglas Tidy Towns for creating such a beautiful home for The Turning over a new Leaf sculpture”
On behalf of Finglas Village Tidy Towns, Chairperson Philomena Murphy, thanked attendees and volunteers while stressing the importance of planning in how they carried out their work.
