Lights, paint, action – and a footbridge

By Maurice Garvey

CHERRY Orchard is a bit brighter this week after an art project was completed on a graffiti-ridden footbridge –which preceded the switching on of the Christmas lights in the parish.

The art project was carried out by participants of Realt Nua, Ballyfermot Star’s rehabilitation programme, and funded by Dublin City Council.

It coincided with the turning on of the Christmas lights at Cherry Orchard Church on Tuesday evening.

The Star participants paraded through the Bridge of Hope from Park West, Lavery Avenue, into Cherry Orchard to the church, where the Christmas tree was lit amid cheers from excited local children.

Sunniva Finlay, CEO Ballyfermot Star, said: “The art represents the past present and future as perceived by the participants of Cherry Orchard.

“They were fed up seeing graffiti and want the project to represent the hope they see for the community of Cherry Orchard.

“They want the residents to take ownership of their community and the art project is part of the ownership.”

Ahead of the switching on of the Christmas lights, a number of people spoke to the crowd, including councillors Daithí Doolan, Vincent Jackson, Pat Teehan from Dublin City Council and Fr Michael Murtagh from Cherry Orchard Church.

Christmas lights were turned on at the Civic Centre on December 1, and a Christmas tree is lighting at the roundabout at Landen/Lally Roads for the festive season.