Economic and Social Context

Ballyfermot, a working class area of West Dublin framed by the Liffey and the Grand Canal north and south respectively and bordered by Palmerstown to the east and Inchicore to the west,  is unique amongst Dublin areas, in that its postal district boundary (Dublin 10) also conforms to its geographical boundary.  This is one of the many factors which contributes to a strong sense of identity and place and while this has been a positive source of community strength and cohesion, this strong impression of being defined by place, (if not confined, as the immediate northern and southern boundaries which, limit access to the Liffey and Grand Canal are the Chapelizod By-Pass and the railway line running out of    Heuston Station) has also contributedto the area’s isolation as successive generations have experienced multi-faceted marginalisation.

Modern Ballyfermot was developed by Dublin Corporation in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with more local authority housing (minus even the most basic services one would expect in an area of  high population density) being built in Cherry Orchard from the mid-70s onwards.

Significant  developments have occurred over recent years including the opening of a Community Civic Centre, the Equine Centre, the establishment of the Urban 11 programme, the development of BASE Youth centre and the laying of the foundation stone for the Cherry Orchard School and the ongoing involvement of Dublin City Council in the area. A major investment in the Cherry Orchard area will see the building of a new town centre and a revitalisation of both the community and civic amenities

Ballyfermot is rising to meet the challenges of building a civic community and is also  participating in and contributing to the economic development of the city.