CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT / SOCIAL JUSTICE AND PEACE GROUP

St Michael’s parish is committed to caring for the environment and to the pursuit of justice and peace especially among the marginalised and disadvantaged in our community. As Pope Francis outlines in Laudato Si: Environmental, social and economic justice are inextricably interlinked. (are an integral part of our parish ministry – it influences all our
ministries).

A number of our faith community are part of the Inchicore Environmental Group who among other activities conduct a cleaning of the canal every fortnight. The parish also highlights environmental and social justice issues during the Season of Creation, Advent and Lent with creative liturgies and guest speakers.

Guest speakers in the past two years have included: Colm Ó hÓgáin( Trócaire), Colm ó Ríogáin (Canal Clean up), Frank Brown (PPW Clondalkin), Monica Shannon (Community Worker and former Republican prisoner in North of Ireland), Vincent de Paul. Following a resumption of masses the community looks forward to hearing from Jane Mellett (Laudato Si group – Trócaire).

St Michael’s Parish also lends its support to community initiatives and agencies of social care in the area such as: Kavanagh House, the Family Resource centre, St Vincent de Paul and Bulfin Residents Association. Through its contribution to the share and common fund and its church gate collections, it continues to support diocesan agencies which provide social
care.

Some present concerns among parishioners are:

The Future Plans for the Former St Michael’s Estate.
There is grave concern among members of the faith community at how many housing units are planned for this small area. Fears of social unrest and deprivation once again arise due to the proposed density and the lack of green space and proper facilities being provided.
People are encouraged to give their input – check this post in our website:
https://stmichaelsinchicore.ie/2020/10/have-your-say-the-new-development-at-st-michaels-estate-emmet-road/

The Development of the Children’s Hospital


Anti-Social Behaviour especially along the Grand Canal at Inchicore
At present there is serious concern among residents in the Goldenbridge- Bulfin and Suir Rd areas at the anti-social behaviour along the canal.

The parish supports all local initiatives to curb this frightening and life-threatening behaviour.

Mapping Green Dublin
This is a joint initiative between Dublin City Council, University College Dublin and the Community of Dublin 8. The proposals are to highlight areas of green (land) and blue(water) spaces in the area that can be rejuvenated and developed as places of respite among the community.

The group is looking at tree planting, a Camac River walk, green spaces at
future developments at St Michael’s Estate. Pastoral worker Pádraigín Clancy and local DCC, historian Cathy Scuffil are proposing the inclusion of a Pilgrim Path in the area which would incorporate the built and natural heritage including St Michael’s Church.

Youth Ministry
Engagement with youth of parish