Pocket Park opens at Bridge Street Balbriggan as Santa arrives

Balbriggan is all set to get an excellent new feature today with the opening of a temporary Pocket Park at 14 Bridge Street.

The Pocket Park is part of the mixed-used development planned for the area which will create a vibrant, family friendly location in the heart of the town.

With the demolition of 14 Bridge Street now complete, annexes and outbuildings to the rear of 6a-12 Bridge Street (De Bruns) are now also being demolished.

The appointment of an Integrated Design Team by Fingal County Council to consider the next stages of development at this location will happen shortly.

The plan is to link Millpond Park to a new park entrance at 14 Bridge Street which will facilitate a pedestrian and cycling route down to the transformed Quay Street and Harbour area.

The opening of the Pocket Park is coinciding with Santa’s arrival in the town.

Festivities will begin with the lighting of a Christmas tree at St George’s Square at 6.00pm.

Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Grainne Maguire, will invite those gathered to walk the short distance to the Pocket Park to meet Santa.

Members of the cast of North County Dublin’s latest pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’ taking place at The Lark, Balbriggan’s new concert hall, will join the Deputy Mayor and Santa for the special festive occasion.

According to the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, the opening of the Pocket Park is another milestone in the Our Balbriggan Regeneration project.

“The Pocket Park forms part of the redevelopment of the DeBruns site, which will transform the area,” he said.

The Our Balbriggan leadership group, formed at the outset of the regeneration programme, and chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, plays a key role in helping guide the town’s rejuvenation programme.

“It is wonderful see the opening of the Pocket Park in time for the festive season and I encourage locals and visitors to visit the park and enjoy it,” said Professor MacCraith.

“These works will form part of the transformation of the town through the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said the opening of the Pocket Park stage is another key development in the delivery of  the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme.

“Fingal County Council is strongly committed to delivering the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme, with the aim of ensuring a great place to live, work and do business,” she said.

Events will be preceded by the launch of Ár mBaile, a vibrant community arts project, which celebrates the rich tapestry of shared experiences, stories and creativity that define Balbriggan.

The launch will be performed by Deputy Mayor Cllr Maguire at the Carnegie Library at 5.15pm.