“We look after 302 people now. We went from 36 people to 302 since 2019.”
The Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) has come a long way since its modest beginnings. Originally established in 1994 by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, the goal has always been clear: empower individuals to live independently in their own homes, not in institutions.
“So it started in 1994. It was started up by people with disabilities to empower people to live, for people with disabilities to live in their own home,” explains Antoinette Tierney, the current Manager of BCIL.
In Disability Matters conversation, Antoinette shares the story of BCIL and its impressive evolution over three decades. Founded by a small group of people with disabilities in 1994, BCIL was born from a shared desire to promote autonomy, respect, and community inclusion. Since then, it has grown into a vital resource for hundreds across Dublin 15.
Antoinette, who began her own journey with BCIL in 2014 through the Community Employment Scheme, has experienced the organisation’s mission firsthand—from driving the van and working in home support to becoming manager during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, she leads a team that offers a range of services designed to support people with disabilities in living independently.
A Mission Rooted in Independence
The founding ethos of BCIL was rooted in advocacy and community-based support. Over time, the organisation expanded from a small room to larger offices, and today operates out of Parkside House in Mulhuddart. Unique among Independent Living Centres in Ireland, BCIL focuses significantly on wheelchair-accessible transport.
Expanding Services
BCIL’s services are diverse and ever-growing:
- Transport: Three wheelchair-accessible vans bring service users to medical appointments, day centres, and social events.
- Peer Support Group: A monthly meeting to discuss disability-related issues and push for community improvements through access audits and advocacy.
- Home Support: From light housework and bill management to simply offering a friendly chat, the team assists people without taking over.
- Volunteer Linking Service: Connecting individuals with disabilities for mutual companionship and shared activities.
- Information & Advocacy: Helping community members with forms, assistive tech, grants, and access to occupational therapy aids.
- Maintenance Team: Handling small home repairs and seasonal gardening.
- Community Garden: Located on Blackhall Road, this accessible garden provides a sensory-rich environment and is being revitalised with support from Amazon.
- Radio Station: Phoenix FM now operates from BCIL offices, amplifying the voices of the disability community every week.
Community Impact
Today, BCIL serves 302 people across Dublin 15, a remarkable increase from just 36 in 2019. “Mostly it’s transport, but we do a lot of home support. We link in with CRC, Vista, doctors, and community centres. Word of mouth is helping us expand,” Antoinette notes.
Funding Challenges
Despite the growth, funding remains a challenge. The HSE provides core support, but the budget hasn’t increased since 2018. Fundraising remains crucial, including cake sales, school non-uniform days, and bag-packing at local stores. Recent support from Tesco, Blanchardstown Credit Union, and Amazon has helped ease the burden. In a significant development, the Community Recognition Fund has committed to funding an electric wheelchair-accessible van.
COVID-19 and Resilience
During the pandemic, BCIL adapted quickly—delivering food and PPE, conducting welfare checks, and creating safe outdoor spaces like the community garden. “We got help from Empower, Fingal County Council, and Crosscare to keep services going.”
Generous volunteers from Amazon and MSD Biotech continue to support BCIL’s work through community gardening and office painting, helping create a welcoming, vibrant space.
Looking Ahead
The biggest challenge remains sustainability. “We want to grow without diluting our service. We’re getting more referrals from HSE and doctors, and we need funding to keep the quality high,” Antoinette explains.
Get Involved
If you or someone you know would benefit from BCIL’s services, or if you’d like to volunteer or support their work, you can:
📧 Email: admin@bcil.ie
📞 Call: 01 827 0609
📍 Visit: Parkside House 1, Mulhuddart Village (across from the Post Office)
At BCIL, the mission remains clear: supporting people with disabilities to live independently, with dignity, connection, and community at the heart of it all.