Disappointing no parade will take place in Tallaght this year

THE confirmation that there will be no St Patrick’s Day parade in Tallaght this year has left a local councillor “flabbergasted”.

Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) received correspondence from South Dublin County Council this week stating that there will be no parade in Tallaght this year.

However, the local authority added the council’s community development team are devising plans for a parade in Tallaght in 2025 and hope to start mobilising members for a committee.

The news has been met with disappointment by Cllr O’Connor, who voiced his frustration at another year passing without a St Patrick’s Day parade in Tallaght.

“I’m absolutely astonished that here we are again,” he said. “We’re in a huge population centre like Tallaght, and it’s not possible to have a St Patrick’s Day parade.

“I’m absolutely flabbergasted. There are plans for parades in other parts of the county, and it’s very disappointing that there won’t be one here.”

The volunteer committee that organised previous Tallaght parades disbanded last year, and no parade was held in 2023.

The last St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tallaght village was held in 2019, with the planned 2020 parade in the village having to be cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I worry that the longer it takes to reintroduce the Tallaght St Patrick’s Day parade that enthusiasm will wane,” added Cllr O’Connor.

“When we did have parades, they were always successful, and people looked forward to it and it was a big day out in Tallaght.

“At this point, 2025 is a long way away. When you consider the vibrancy of Tallaght and the many businesses, community groups and bands that could get behind a parade, it’s disappointing that there won’t be one this year.”