Writing by Lorraine O’Connor, Community Education Officer 

I recently visited Coolock Development Council with Conor Thompson, our Head of Advocacy and Policy, to meet their Executive Manager, Adele O’Connor, and learn more about how the organisation supports education and business initiatives in the local region.

As a member of the Community Education Network (CEN), the Coolock Development Council is a cornerstone of the North County Dublin community.

The organisation currently oversees the delivery of services to 34 community organisation and business occupants who combined, employ over 160 people. 

The Coolock Development Council is home to a range of impactful community and youth organisations. These include Sphere 17, a youth service working with young people in North Dublin between the age of 10-24, and Northside Partnership, which offers employment services and sponsors Tús, a community work placement scheme providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed people. 

The organisation supports 77 community members on the Community Services Programme, Community Employment Scheme and Jobs Initiative Scheme, who are engaged in both work and learning opportunities. Through these programmes, community members are able to gain valuable skills in areas such as maintenance, first aid, horticulture, health, security, and safety.