This story was first published on December 15^th, 2005.

Ballymun Residents invite Olivia OLeary back to chair Public Debate in Ballymun

The elected local councillors formed the panel in a public debate which was chaired by the political journalist Olivia OLeary. The debate took place on November 10^th at 7.30pm ('02) in the Axis Arts Centre and was the third in a series of public debates organised by the Ballymun Partnership and the Ballymun Welfare Rights.

"If democracy doesnt work at local level, it doesnt work at all, and this debate is an important exercise in local democracy. Last year, the community in Ballymun challenged their local representatives, highlighting a number of vital issues that politicians may not have been fully aware of, and that I as a journalist wasnt properly aware of. I know this years event will be just as lively," said Olivia OLeary.

In order to build the opportunities available for local people in Ballymun to feed into the development of their area this public debate has been scheduled. Previous debates have highlighted is that there are a significant number of people in the area who do not have a space to positively contribute to the regeneration of their community.

The local councillors for the area are Julia Carmicheal (Fianna Fail), Ray Corcoran (Sinn Fein), and Andrew Montague (Labour).

For more information contact:
Catherine Lane, Community Development Worker
Ballymun Partnership
North Mall
Ballymun
Dublin 11
Tel: 01 582 39522.

Catherine Lane(Ballymun Partnership), Aine Rooney(Ballymun Welfare Rights), Olivia O'Leary and Anne Scully(Mercy Justice Office).	Some of the audience at the debate.