On this week’s episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey sits down with Sinéad Hayes, a Community Officer with Fingal County Council. Although she joined the Community Development Office only four months ago, Sinéad is already deeply involved in county-wide projects and community engagement — including Fingal Inclusion Week.
Starting in Community Development
Sinéad laughs when John asks how she ended up in the role.
“I’m still quite new,” she says. “I’ve only been here four months. I work in the Community Development Office, looking after special projects that run across all of Fingal — things like Fingal Inclusion Week.”
Unlike many community officers who focus on a single geographic area, Sinéad’s work spans the entire county, giving her the chance to meet a wide range of groups and community members.
The Community Development Office itself is a busy hub.
“We’ve got the facilities team, the area teams, the PPN, and the local authority integration team,” Sinéad explains. “Altogether, it’s somewhere around 24 people.”
What the Community Development Office Does
At its heart, the office supports community groups — whether they’re just forming or already established.
“When groups are starting up, we help them with the basics,” Sinéad says. “Things like setting up a committee, terms of reference, making sure everyone is on the same page. Then we work on capacity-building — training, guidance, and helping groups get the skills they need.”
As groups grow, the office also helps them connect with resources and funding. While the annual support grant has limits, community officers also help groups identify other funding streams from different council departments.
“Some groups aren’t just working with Community Development,” she adds. “They might also link with Sports or Environment. They have goals and objectives, and they’re finding different ways of getting there. And it takes time — groups evolve.”
Understanding Barriers — and Supporting Participation
John highlights a frequent concern among disability organisations: short-term staffing, funding pressures, and the time it takes for service users to build trust with support workers.
Sinéad acknowledges these challenges.
“I didn’t realise how quickly people move on,” she says. “And you’re right — building relationships takes time. That’s why the ongoing connection between officers and groups is so important. We’re there for the long haul, even as things change.”
She also shares how valuable it was to meet BCIL’s Peer Support Group and to hear about real, everyday barriers — from transport to accessing local activities.
“Being out with groups during Inclusion Week really gives insight into what people need, what’s working, and where change is possible.”
Fingal Inclusion Week: Over 80 Events Across the County
This year’s Fingal Inclusion Week features more than 80 events, from wellbeing classes to social gatherings.
“Some groups are even running two activities,” Sinéad says. “Yesterday I was with a men’s group doing chair yoga — the bursary paid for the facilitator. Another colleague was at a wellbeing session for parents and carers. There’s so much happening, and groups and community centres are really stepping up to meet the needs they see.”
The bursary scheme, though modest, helps make these activities possible. And the energy continues throughout the year.
“Our next bursary is in March for International Women’s Day,” she notes. “Yesterday was International Men’s Day, actually — happy International Men’s Day! Some groups held their Inclusion Week events to mark it. We worked with a community centre and the Fingal Men’s Shed to organise a big event for men around the county.”
These events, she says, help people feel connected, supported, and part of something local and meaningful.
A Role Built on Relationships
For Sinéad, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is meeting people.
“The relationships are so important,” she says. “You have to trust each other to work well together. And volunteers and community groups are doing incredible work. If we can support that in any way, that matters.” She hopes to stay in the role, but she knows local authority work can change unexpectedly. “Who knows what tomorrow holds? But I really enjoy the variety, and getting to be across the county.”
This interview aired on Disability Matters with John Comiskey on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
Tune in to Disability Matters Thursdays at 4PM | Repeats: Mon 3AM, Tue 3AM & 7AM | Also available on Mixcloud.