Warm and heartfelt tributes have been paid to the work of Professor Brian MacCraith following his stepping down as Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group.
Professor MacCraith has overseen the work of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme since its inception in 2018.
As Chairperson of the Balbriggan Leadership Group, Professor MacCraith oversaw the inception and development of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme.
Having worked tirelessly on the project for more than five years, Professor MacCraith announced his departure from the role to coincide with the current mid-project review stage.
His replacement will be announced shortly, along with details around renewal of the project.
The ambitious vision contained in the programme was the result of an historic community engagement which saw more than 25% of residents outline their preferences for the future of the town.
The project is transforming Ireland’s youngest town and Professor MacCraith steered substantial progress across a range of objectives.
“The €50million Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme has made and will continue to make huge progress on key infrastructure and social projects central to this massive initiative,” said Professor MacCraith.
“These include multi-million euro developments at Quay Street, the Harbour and beach, 2-4 Dublin Street, Bridge Street and Millpond Park, Railway Street and Station Plaza, allied with numerous community initiatives.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to be involved the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme through my Chairpersonship of the Leadership Group.
“Immense progress has been made and though a lot remains to be done, a real transformation of Ireland’s youngest town has taken shape’,” added Professor MacCraith.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, thanked Professor McCraith for the leadership he has brought to the Balbriggan project.
“He was the right man in the right place at the right time and has brought all his experience to bear in leading the Balbriggan Rejuvenation Project to the mid-project review point.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, paid tribute, saying it had been a pleasure to work alongside Professor MacCraith.
“Brian’s work has had, and will continue to have, a very positive impact on Balbriggan. I warmly thank him for his endeavours,” she said.
“There has been huge progress to date and I look forward to further outcomes which will have an incredibly positive impact.
“The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme will benefit the people of the town, ensuring a great place to live, work visit and do business.”
The Our Balbriggan renewal, which is currently being finalised, will include the restructuring the various local pillar groups which input to and support the overall project.
