Chairman's Address

Welcome from the Chairperson

My name is Guy Thompson and I took over as the Chair of Blanchardstown Area Partnership in June 2010. I have lived in the Dublin 15 area for more than eight years and have been General Manager at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club since 2008. I also serve as Vice President on the D15 Chamber of Commerce and I sit on the Board of Directors for ILAM (Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management) and Fingal Tourism.

One of the strengths of the Partnership is its ability to work together with local people for the good of the whole community. We work strategically with local agencies and groups to ensure that mainstreaming of successful projects become a reality, whilst enabling the lessons learned to positively influence policy development at all levels. This is most successful when people living in the area, and working in state agencies, voluntary organisations and community projects, come together to plan and deliver new actions to meet a local need.

The work of the Partnership since 1995 has highlighted the practical contribution that the Partnership can make to people’s lives. Many men and women living in Dublin 15 have been supported into training, employment and self-employment. Community groups have received both practical and financial support. Research has been undertaken which highlighted specific needs in the area. The website will give you information about many of these activities.

As one of the Social Partner representatives on the Board, I want to ensure a balanced approach when discussions about the role of the Partnership take place and ensure that at all times the strategies and policies we follow are in the best interests of the Partnership. I will endeavour to maintain clear channels of communication at all levels across the Partnership and work closely with the rest of the Board, Management, Staff and Volunteers to ensure the continued success of the Partnership.