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Improve Infrastructure
More bins for Castleknock
Since forming in 2019 Castleknock TidyTowns has lobbied both Fingal County Council and the Office of Public Works to place more bins (particularly Big Belly bins) around Castleknock. These have had a hugely positive impact on the level of litter our Helping Hands litter team are seeing around the village and approach roads.
Defibrillator installed
Available 24/7 and 365 days
Castleknock TidyTowns was delighted when local residents David Hall and Susan Wiseman, owners of Lifeline Ambulance Service Ireland, generously donated a defibrillator to the Castleknock community.
We are very grateful to Shane Swan, operator of Myo's pub for generously agreeing to host this potentially life-saving defibrillator on the outside of his premises. ​CTT has a team of 'defibrillator guardians' who check the device regularly to ensure it is ready for use at all times.
The defibrillator is the only one in the neighbourhood which is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year. Instructions on how to use it are given when the unit is activated.​
Pedestrian Tunnel
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In 2022 CTT volunteers spent weeks renovating and painting the pedestrian tunnel leading from the plaza at the Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club, under the N4, to the walkway over the M50 to the 12th Lock. As a key pedestrian access route in and out of Castleknock (particularly parents bringing children to/from school), it really was in need of some TLC.
Local artist Brenna Crushell designed the pattern and colour scheme. She also designed and painted the attractive and delicate mural celebrating Castleknock's swift colony. We arranged for the broken light fittings to be replaced and refitted with LED lightbulbs. We continue to maintain the tunnel in good working order. It is now a valuable asset for active travel, providing an attractive and easy walk/cycle to and from Blanchardstown.
Name Stones
In 2020, thanks to a partial grant from Fingal County Council and monies raised locally we purchased two name stones for the approach roads leading into Castleknock. The first was added at the end of Auburn Avenue as one approaches the village from the N4. The second was sited at R806 as you approach Castleknock from the Ashtown Gate. Cut from granite, the stones provide a warm welcome in both Irish and English text and give people a real sense of place.
Benches
CTT works closely with Fingal County Council to secure benches for our green spaces. We liaise with residents' associations and individuals about what they think would be appropriate for their area. We look forward to seeing more benches being added to the locality each year for Castleknock's residents and visitors to enjoy.
Planters and baskets
Our planters and hanging baskets have been installed with the cooperation of local businesses and landlords. They contain pollinator-friendly plants which help to bolster the pollinator corridor from the Phoenix Park along the Castleknock Road. The planters have been selected for their water reservoirs which reduce the frequency of watering. The hanging baskets are all connected to irrigation systems so that they can be watered without transporting water.
Deer Sculpture
As a result of the commitment shown to Castleknock by CTT volunteers, one local family was moved to make a gesture to benefit the people of Castleknock. The Arkins family (BA Steel Fabrications) generously donated the Deer Sculpture which is positioned on an elevated grassed bank on Castleknock Road. The corten steel deer family is very popular, particularly with visitors to Castleknock (who have been spotted on occasion stopping off at the sculpture to grab a selfie).
Stone Art Piece
In 2024 Castleknock TidyTowns finally revealed a new stone art piece for Castleknock, after working on the project for over five years. The stone is fitted into the stone wall of St Brigid’s Church, located in the heart of the village. The art piece was commissioned by Castleknock TidyTowns, designed by Brenna and Amy Crushell and carved by Liffey Memorials. Inspiration for the design came from the glass fanlight above the door of an adjacent old property.
The art piece has been created in Irish limestone and is very much in keeping with the existing stone wall and its surroundings. The stone is a wonderful permanent enhancement and a total contrast to the redundant, abandoned utility cabinet which previously occupied this high profile location for many years.
Fix My Street
We are always looking for ways to improve Castleknock. Traffic signs can be damaged or defaced, drains can be blocked, street lights can be out of order or directional signage goes missing. Someone has to notice. Whether it involves reporting issues directly to the council, repainting items ourselves or writing letters to utility companies to repaint, repair or remove utility cabinets, we constantly stay alert and keep busy! It might take us a while, but we typically get results in the end.