Cllr. Eoin O'Driscoll

Tag: news

  • New grants available for music education in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown schools – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

    New grants are available for music education in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown schools, and local music groups and organisations should apply, Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll has said.

    Councillor O’Driscoll, has encouraged local groups to apply for the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme, which was announced by the Minister for Education, Helen McEntee TD.

    O’Driscoll said, “The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme is now open for applications to help organisations provide music education in schools.

    “A total of €100,000 is available in grants which allow organisations with limited or no access to other forms of public funding to pay for music classes, instruments and other equipment.

    “This Scheme has helped children’s choirs, concert bands, brass bands, folk orchestras, uilleann pipers and more. It is targeted at smaller organisations involved in non-mainstream music education and community music initiatives who cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

    “I encourage Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown music groups and organisations with a track record in music education or community and youth-based music projects, to apply. These grants can help them provide invaluable music education to children in our local schools.”

    Minister McEntee said: “It is vital that we provide our children and young learners with every opportunity to express themselves and show their creativity. Music education is one of the many holistic ways in which we can support children and young people in our communities to achieve their full potential.

    “Today I am announcing a total grant fund of €100,000 which will enable organisations to continue to make music classes available to children and young people in their communities so they can have the chance to express themselves and explore their creativity while developing new skills.”

    Interested and eligible organisations are invited to make their applications for grant funding under the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2025 by 10 April 2025.

    Click here for the application form.

  • Eoin O’Driscoll co-opted to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

    Eoin O’Driscoll has been co-opted to replace Maeve O’Connell on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council following her election to Dáil Éireann. Eoin will serve as a Councillor representing Stillorgan.

    Eoin is 32-years old and recently married. He works as a communications consultant and is passionate about using local politics to support our community to thrive.

    Eoin previously worked as a Parliamentary Assistant to Josepha Madigan (then Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht); Political Adviser to the Irish Mission to the United Nations; human rights observer in Palestine; and at the European Parliament.

    “I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve on Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and to join our strong local Fine Gael team led by our TDs Neale Richmond and Maeve O’Connell”, Eoin said.

    “My focus will be on ensuring that community is prioritised and that our local government better listens to and address local need. I promise to work hard and do everything I can to support the community here in Stillorgan in my new role as Councillor”.

  • Funding needed for more local playgrounds and other outdoor recreation amenities  – Eoin O’Driscoll

    An increase in funding is needed to deliver more playgrounds that will benefit communities in Churchtown and throughout Dún Laoghaire Rathdown, Eoin O’Driscoll has said.

    Local Election Candidate Eoin O’Driscoll is calling for more funding from Government to help Dún Laoghaire Rathdown meet the cost of large-scale new playground projects and also to expand and upgrade existing playgrounds.

    O’Driscoll said: “There is currently no play facilities for children in Churchtown. With many more young families moving into the area, this needs to be addressed urgently.

    “There is a major need also for outdoor recreation facilities for all ages. We are blessed with abundant green areas in our community, the delivery of park benches and other simple amenities to provide areas for people to come together and interact as a community are really important – particularly for young families and older people.

    “If elected as your Councillor on 7th June, I will be a champion for playgrounds, outdoor recreation amenities and community facilities. Our local government needs to do more to promote community.

    “As a local representative, I know how important these spaces are in terms of physical and mental well-being for the whole family.

    “The Department of Rural and Community Development provides significant funding towards the establishment and improvement of playgrounds through various schemes that it operates.

    “The Capital Grant and Play Recreation scheme operated by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Youth, supports Local Authorities in improving access to quality play and recreation facilities within our communities.

    “It offers funding of up to €18,000 per project, with a total of €450,000 awarded to 29 councils last year.

    “However, this funding is contingent on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council matching funding of at least 25% of the amount provided by the department, which could be a barrier particularly as construction and material costs are on the rise.

    “This is why more funding is required from Government with an increased cap for project awards to ensure Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council can deliver playgrounds and play spaces where they are needed.

    “Concerns have been expressed regarding equipment in some public playgrounds falling into disrepair and upgrading or replacing these pieces can be challenging and some councils can find it difficult getting projects off the ground.

    “This is why a boost in funding and a change to the criteria for the Play and Recreation Scheme would be ideal.

    “Playgrounds are vital spaces for our children and families and Fine Gael is committed to their future development and to delivering stronger and safer communities”.