Dublin City Council Celebrates Reopening of Lourdes Parish Hall After Major Refurbishment North east inner city community venue received €770,000 to upgrade under the Government’s Community Recognition Fund
Lourdes Parish Hall in Dublin’s North East Inner City reopened today following a much-anticipated refurbishment project funded by the Government under the Community Recognition Fund. The community hall, which is located on Seán McDermott Street, was officially reopened by Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam and Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural Community and Development and the Gaeltacht.
In 2023, the Government announced €50 million investment under the first ever Community Recognition Fund administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This was a major initiative to support and reward communities that have welcomed new arrivals to Ireland seeking safety and protection here. The Lourdes Parish Hall received €770,000 under this fund to upgrade the facility for the benefit of the local community.
The refurbishment has already had a positive impact, turning the hall into a vibrant, reliable, and multifunctional space that supports people with a wide range of interests and age groups. The improvements have not only addressed the long standing structural issues but have also significantly expanded the hall’s available space and usability. With the addition of the upstairs modern kitchen and a small studio, alongside increased storage space, the hall can now host a wider range of activities and events. The building is safer, more comfortable, and far better equipped to serve the local community for years to come.
Speaking at the reopening Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam said, “Today is about more than reopening a building. It is about restoring a cornerstone of community life in Dublin’s North East Inner City. The transformation of Lourdes Parish Hall represents real investment in people, in connection and in opportunity. This is the proud home of the Francesca Arkins Dance Academy and the Dublin One Force Taekwon Do Club, and it is wonderful to see young dancers, martial artists and senior citizens all sharing the same welcoming space. This refurbishment has created a safe, modern and vibrant hub where generations can come together to learn, train, socialise and thrive. It sends a clear message that this community matters, that it is valued and that it deserves facilities of the highest standard.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said, “I am delighted to see the extensive work that has been completed through the €770,000 in funding that was provided through the Community Recognition Fund towards the external and internal refurbishment of this much needed community facility, and I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has made this possible.”
“The Community Recognition Fund was introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Communities, like those here in Seán McDermott Street and the inner city, where huge efforts have been made to integrate new arrivals into our community.”
Minister Calleary concluded, “I think it is fitting that the 2023 Community Recognition Fund approvals were announced here in May 2023 and that we are here again today to officially open one of those approved projects. I want to close by wishing the committee here in Lourdes Parish Hall and indeed all the visitors to the centre all the best for the future.”
Managed locally by the DCC Central Area Office on Seán McDermott Street, works commenced in 2025 with contractors Brehon Construction Ltd and Westside Civil Engineering Ltd. The refurbishment involved internal and external works. This included demolition of fire damaged rooms, asbestos removal, external building insulation and new windows and fencing. Internal works included replacement of toilets, rewiring the building, installation of alarm system and fire doors, repair and upgrade of fire damaged rooms, upgrading heating & lighting, painting and plastering.
