A new mural at the 29th Blackrock Scout Den is bringing young people, local artists and public bodies together in a colourful celebration of community. The project, created as part of the EU Presidency 2026 Community Mural Project, highlights how creativity can support a stronger sense of place in Dublin.
The artwork was designed by members of Blackrock Scouts and delivered by The Walls Project in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Its themes include resilience, preparedness and innovation—values shared by both the Scout movement and the European Union.
Blackrock mural connects young people with Europe
An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Barry Saul, joined the Scouts at the den to mark the mural’s completion. He described the unveiling as an example of a community coming together to support Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency.
The initiative gave participating young people the opportunity to develop a shared creative vision while exploring issues that matter to communities. Rather than being simply a decorative feature, the finished mural serves as a permanent reminder of local involvement in a major national and European programme.
For readers following Dublin news, the project also demonstrates how European funding can support practical community engagement. It links international themes with a familiar local setting, allowing young people to contribute directly to the identity of their neighbourhood.
What the community project delivered
- Young people helped shape the mural’s design and message.
- The artwork reflects resilience, preparedness and innovation.
- The Walls Project worked with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and local Scouts.
- The completed mural creates a lasting legacy connected to Ireland’s EU Presidency 2026 programme.
Local partnerships create a lasting legacy
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Chief Executive Frank Curran said the mural showed how European support and local partnerships can produce meaningful benefits. He also noted the sense of ownership, pride and connection developed among those involved.
The project brought together the European Union, the local authority, artists and young residents. That collaborative approach reflects a wider ambition to create communities where people can live, learn and thrive while taking an active role in shaping their surroundings.
The mural’s completion adds to a growing body of community-focused activity across the county. It also offers an accessible way for residents to see the values associated with Ireland’s EU Presidency represented in a public space.
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Why the Blackrock mural matters
The Blackrock Scouts project shows that civic participation can begin with a blank wall and a shared idea. By involving young people in the creative process, the initiative has produced an artwork that reflects both local identity and Ireland’s place in Europe.
As preparations continue for Ireland’s EU Presidency 2026 programme, the mural stands as a visible example of cooperation, imagination and community pride in action.
Key takeaway: The Blackrock Scouts mural turns European themes into a lasting local story, proving that youth participation and creative partnerships can leave a meaningful mark on Dublin communities.




