Hundreds of community workers and supporters gathered in Ballyfermot Civic Centre on Friday (11th May) for a march, rally and open day to show their backing for vital community services. Ballyfermot Youth Service is concerned at the impact spending cuts are having on the sector.

Local residents came to their doors to cheer on the marchers as they paraded in a blaze of colour and sound through the streets of Ballyfermot. A number of services are now under threat, including affordable childcare, after-school groups as well as drug, mental health and family support services.

More than 30 local organisations took part in the event, including the Ballyfermot Community Association, the Ballyfermot Theatre Workshop, Ballyfermot Youth Service, and the Kylemore Community Training Centre. A number of key service providers also set up stands in the Civic Centre to highlight the work they do and outline how funding cuts were impacting on services.