Ambitious plans launched for Balbriggan rejuvenation 

THE future of Balbriggan is set to be transformed through a €20 million-plus rejuvenation plan – an ambitious new vision for the town, which will be shaped by the views of its population.

The wide-ranging plans include a new river park which will flow through new public areas in the town down to a reimagined harbour and marina and link up with a new greenway.

Balbriggan is the youngest town in Ireland, with an average age of 30.5, and has seen rapid population and housing growth without an equivalent rise in amenities.

Under the plan, Balbriggan has the chance to develop into a seaside town with fantastic amenities that will provide a sustainable future for its population. 

Local residents are being asked to take part in a public consultation plan and survey entitled ‘Our Balbriggan’ which will shape the order of priorities for a list of improvements to transform the town.

A Balbriggan leadership group, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, President, Dublin City University, was established earlier in the year to prepare ambitious plans for the area with actions that can be delivered upon.

“In a few years’ time the centre of the town will have been transformed with public amenities flowing from the River Bracken and the Millpond Park through Quay Street down to a completely reimagined Harbour which will be the envy of the country,” said Prof MacCraith.

“The transformation is already beginning, with free town centre Wi-Fi, new Skate Park and Heritage Trail just a few of the initiatives due to be unveiled in a short period of time.

“The ‘Our Balbriggan’ survey will allow the people of the town to have a say in prioritising a range of improvements.”

A Balbriggan Socio-Economic Strategy, which will be published at the end of Quarter 1 2019, will contain an implementation plan with a list of actions, activities and accompanying timeline, directly influenced by the results of the ‘Our Balbriggan’ survey.

Over the next few weeks every resident is being asked to get involved and have their say via the online survey which can be found at Balbriggan.ie or the #ourbalbriggan social media platforms.

Speaking at the launch, Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid said: “A €10 million capital fund allocated to support the Balbriggan Strategy over the next three years is a real and sustained commitment to the town and the people of the area have the opportunity to shape and influence the order of priorities. 

“In addition to the €10 million allocated for the implementation of the Balbriggan Strategy an additional capital sum, in excess of €10 million, has also been allocated for the completion of the Balbriggan to Skerries Greenway, development of Bremore Castle into a premier visitor destination, development of Bremore Regional Amenity Park, and upgrades to cycleways and connectivity in the town.”