Many members know Fórsa’s head office well, whether from coming to meetings, collecting flags, or simply from seeing the address on correspondence. Located at Nerney’s Court, the union’s headquarters is in the heart of Dublin’s North East Inner City (NEIC). 

The NEIC is an area of just over six square kilometres, bounded to the south by the River Liffey, and to the east by the sea, to the north by the River Tolka and Clonliffe Road, and to the west by Dorset Street and East Arran Street.  

For some time now Fórsa has run a small grants fund which aims to support community initiatives based in the NEIC. 

Kieran O'Neill, Julie Flood (Fórsa Senior Vice President), Ava Henry (double European Gold medalist), Philip Keogh (Head Coach), Stephen Dunphy (Treasurer Dublin City Local Goverment Branch)

Outlining the reasons why the fund was established deputy general secretary Matt Staunton said: “The North East Inner City is steeped in history and home to many landmarks and cultural institutions, but in recent years it has sometimes gained national media attention for all the wrong reasons, notably during the Dublin riots in November 2023. Such coverage does a disservice to the people who call this place home, and who are building their lives here.” 

He continued: “We set up this fund because Fórsa is proud to be based in this historical, culturally rich and vibrant part of Dublin. Our small grants fund aims to support community organisations and initiatives that work on fostering education, intercultural development and social inclusion.” 

This year organisations working with marginalised communities were invited to apply in May, and all awardees have now been notified. Over 30 initiatives will benefit from funding of up to €500 each. 

Fórsa’s senior vice president, and chair of the Dublin City Council branch, Julie Flood said: “The applications we received blew us away. There are so many deserving causes and so many people doing fantastic work in this part of our capital city. We were thrilled to be able to support local initiatives from residents’ groups to sports groups, youth services, local health projects, unemployment services and so much more.” 

She continued: “It was a privilege to meet the tireless community activists who give so much of their own time and energy to make life better for others. We were delighted to visit Dublin Docklands Boxing Club and meet Ava Henry and Chloe Gabriel, two talented young boxers who train in the club.  

Kieran O'Neill, Julie Flood (Fórsa Senior Vice President), Chloe Gabriel

"There are high hopes that these two young boxers will go on to great things. Ava has already won Double Gold at European level, and Chloe is also an European Gold medallist. The club intends to use the grant towards travel costs, which is a great example of how a little help can go a long way.” 

Julie continued: “As a union with members from all across Ireland and around the world, we’re proud to support the community we are based in.  Solidarity starts at home.” 

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