Work will continue at pace on delivering the major economic, infrastructural and social elements of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme in 2026, it has been confirmed.
According to Dr David Begg, Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, 2025 was one of momentous progress for the €54-57million plan.
The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030, is one of the biggest ongoing urban renewal projects in the country.
It is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development Department.
According to Dr Begg (pictured above), the plan’s locally-based leadership group will oversee see major change in the town across the next four years.
“The leadership group has adopted plans for its various pillar groups under the headings: Economic Development; Community Development; Education, Skills and Training, and Sustainability, Climate Action and Biodiversity,” he said.
“A key objective includes leveraging investment in the regeneration of Balbriggan by attracting new business, jobs and visitors.
“Strong collaborative networks have been established between the community and public and private sectors.
“The continued operation and strengthening of these networks will enable an integrated and flexible ap-proach to the resourcing and delivery of plans.
“These include a range of objectives and actions which will make a demonstrable, positive impact across a range of economic, social and environmental platforms.”
Contractor, John Craddock Ltd, has now commenced work on the final phase of the plan’s flag-ship €15million project, the re-development of the Quay Street and Harbour area, which is due to be sub-stantially completed in early 2026.
The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is set to transform the town through public investment and has seen work commence and continue on a number of other key projects.
“Six years on from the launch of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030, the transfor-mation of Ireland’s youngest large town really is now taking shape,” said Dr Begg.
In 2025, plans for a €3.3m creative hub moved to tender stage. The development will deliver a dedicated space for arts, culture and innovation.
Fingal County Council has approved plans for the works at 2-4 Dublin Street, which are expected to be complete, pending the award of a tender, by the end of 2027.
Ensuring Balbriggan becomes a nationally renowned destination for arts and culture is a key part of the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme.
The vision for the listed building includes the development of creative art spaces with adjoining digital learning facilities, a courtyard and gallery.
At the De Bruns site on Bridge Street, following an integrated design team process, led by leading award winning Dublin City-based architects, McCullough Mulvin, it is intended to proceed to a Part 8 planning public consultation process in the first half of 2026.
McCullough Mulvin co-ordinated local stakeholder engagement in 2025 to facilitate plans for the 10,000 square metre site at 6a-14 Bridge Street.
Fingal County Council has proposed a mixed-use commercial, community and residential development, with the River Bracken at its heart.
The plan is to link Millpond Park to a new park entrance at 14 Bridge Street to facilitate a pedestrian and cyclist route down to the transformed Quay Street and Harbour area.
It is estimated work will begin at the site in 2027.
The buildings are within an architectural conservation area. The front façade will be preserved.
The restoration and adaptation of the Historic Bath House and Boat House by the Martello Tower will con-tinue to progress in 2026.
It is intended to proceed to a Part 8 planning public consultation process in the second half of 2026, with completion in 2027.
Long-term, plans for a reinvigorated Railway Street will result in better connectivity between the beach and Quay Street.
Meanwhile, an additional 280 new free car parking space were provided by Fingal County Council in 2025 at three locations within a 10 to 15 minute walk of Balbriggan Railway Station.
The new free car parking spaces are at Bath Road, Bremore Castle and Lambeecher.
Elsewhere, It is intended to proceed to a Part 8 planning public consultation process for a new €11m public swimming pool to be built at Castlelands, which is expected to be substantially progressed by 2028.
And the opening of the Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian and Cycle Route is continuing to advance active travel in Balbriggan.
“There has been huge progress on the ambitious vision contained in the Rejuvenation Programme, the result of an historic community engagement which saw more than 25 per cent of Balbriggan’s residents outline their preferences for the future of the town,” Dr Begg added.
Census figures report the population of Balbriggan increased by 215% between 1991 and 2002 to 27,300.
Along with being the youngest large town in Ireland, 30% of its population were born outside the country.
“Building on its rich history, and its diverse and growing talent base, Balbriggan is an ambitious commu-nity which aims to be inclusive,” Dr Begg said.
“Community prosperity will come from harnessing social, economic and physical advantages.”
Lands at Stephenstown have been earmarked for industry, and further developments are planned for Bremore Castle and Regional Park which will enhance the proposed Fingal Coastal Way.