Council’s new draft plan for Ballymun will shape future

LOCALS in Ballymun are being urged to have a say in their future by getting involved in the new Local Area Plan (LAP).

The LAP will shape the area’s economic, social, environmental and physical character for the next decade and it’s the first major plan since 1997 when Ballymun Regeneration Ltd (BRL) was established.

Now that BRL has been wound down and Dublin City Council is again responsible for the area, a new LAP is needed for the area to replace the 1998 Ballymun Masterplan.

“The implementation of the LAP will help safeguard the significant investment made in the area to date and ensure that the regeneration is brought to a successful conclusion,” a council spokesperson said.

“The LAP will review the progress made in implementing the aims and objectives of the Ballymun Masterplan and provide an updated strategy for the future development and management of the area to meet the needs of the existing and future population.”

A draft LAP document was published by the council on April 5 and is on public display until May 17.

It was drafted following a public consultation phase last November and includes submissions from the National Transport Authority and Fingal County Council as well as  BRYR, Ballymun4Business network and a number of sports and recreation clubs.

The new LAP aims to ensure Ballymun is served by high quality public transport and facilitate construction of additional housing in the area. It’s also hoped to attract inward investment and create a focal point or centre for Ballymun.

Ballymun Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly is calling on residents, community groups, sports clubs and businesses to make inputs into the LAP.

“This period of consultation for the Local Area plan is an opportunity for all stakeholders in the area to have a say on the future of Ballymun,” she said.

“One of the areas up for discussion will be the 31 vacant land banks in Ballymun. 

Some of these are quite substantial pieces of land, which in my opinion have to be used for housing and recreational activities.

“We are unique in Ballymun in that the majority of vacant land is owned by the council meaning we have a greater say what goes on it and can make better planning decisions.

“The town centre once and for all must be developed. This was the biggest disappointment during the regeneration for residents and it left lasting bad feeling within the area.” 

Members of Dublin City Council staff will be available in Ballymun Civic Centre to assist with any questions on the LAP on Saturday, April 22 between 10.30am-12.30pm and Wednesday, April 26 from 10am-12pm.