The growth of restaurateurs bringing their food onto the street is a recent and very welcome consequence of the Covid lockdown. This has added greatly to the vibrancy on both Main Street and George’s Avenue. Now with warmer weather on the way we can look forward to more of this over the weekends!
MELLOW FIG doing brisk business on a Saturday morning!
Nick at LE PASTIS preparing his burgers to feed the hungry strollers!
Sateesh at RUCHII RESTAURANT cooking up some tasty appetisers!
Covid Stats in Blackrock going in the Right Direction
Blackrock is doing really well in terms of its Covid statistics. The most recent statistics to 5 April 2021 show New Cases down from 42 to 12 since the middle of March 2021. The 14 day Incidence Rate per 100k was 36 – the national rate per 100k being 157. The next numbers are due shortly and we expect further falls.
Spring brings new Blooms to Blackrock!
The plant boxes and meadow flowers that adorned Blackrock during last summer died an early death in September and we have had to wait until now to benefit from the beautiful bulbs that were planted late last year. These now look really spectacular! We are working with the Council to ensure that next year we will have earlier greening and a shorter period during which Main Street will be deprived of greenery.
New Cheese Outlet coming to Blackrock Market
Zia Burke is currently the Head Chef of Lilliput Stores of Stoneybatter. Having been surrounded and inspired by a huge range of exciting produce, she’s decided to go out on her own and open up a stall in Blackrock Market focused on cheese. She’ll be there every weekend to begin with – selling the best of Farmhouse Cheese, Chutneys, Crackers, Olives, Hummus and Vinegars.
New Outdoor Dining Scheme Grants
A new Outdoor Dining Scheme, supported by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with local authorities, is now open for applications. The Scheme will help food and hospitality businesses in dlr to increase their dining capacity in the short-term by providing 75% funding of up to €4,000 towards the cost of outdoor furniture and equipment.
The grant is available to individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own outdoor dining capacity whether on private premises or in the public realm. Applications can be made for furniture purchased since April 1st 2020 (note that the funding is backdated), and the scheme will be open for applications until September 30th 2021.
All the terms and conditions, along with the online application form, can be accessed here
Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC)
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is intended to target those businesses with operating costs that do not qualify for the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners.
Full details of the scheme are available at : https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/
The closing date for receipt of applications is April 21st 2021.
Keeping it in the Family!
The latest generation of Kennys serving the Blackrock public! Twins Harry and Josh Kenny taking a well earned rest from the baking of pastries, the filling of salad bowls, the preparing of sandwiches and the maintenance of coffee machines. Meanwhile their Grandad Jim and Dad Blaise slave away inside the shop keeping the customers served and satisfied.
Digital Skills for Beginners
Digital Skills for beginners, in collaboration with dlr County Council – to register for your preferred training session(s), click here
- Zoom for Beginners – 19th April, 2pm to 4pm
- Facebook for Beginners – 20th April, 2pm to 4pm
- Photo and Video on Mobile Phone – 21st April, 2pm to 4pm
- Twitter for Beginners – 22nd April, 2pm to 4pm
New Music Education Centre for Blackrock
Permission Granted!
A planning application for Change of Use from Retail/Office to Retail/Educational (Music Education Centre) was granted on 10 March 2021 in respect of the premises at 4 Main Street, Blackrock (existing 3 storey terrace unit). This will result in an internal fitout and alteration works consisting of new lesson and instrument rooms, storage and washing facilities on the basement floor with reception, retail, rehearsal, and band rooms on the upper floors. This is great news for Blackrock and is a welcome cultural addition to the Village.
