Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, today (Friday) joined the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, to turn the sod on a multi-million euro development of Balbriggan’s Quay Street and Harbour.
The transformational project is aimed at creating a high quality public amenity and premier visitor destination to revitalise Ireland’s youngest town.
It will also create a unique, sustainable public open space.
The 19,300 square metre site will include a multi-purpose plaza area and linear park designed to host markets, events and festivals.
Fingal County Council has exchanged contracts with contractor John Craddock Ltd and work has commenced on the €15million undertaking, the largest element of the €50million 2019-2030 Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme.
It aims to create a more attractive, connected place where people want to live, work, visit and do business.
The ambitious vision contained in the Our Balbriggan Project was the result of an historic community engagement in 2019 which saw more than 25% of residents outline their preferences for the future of the town.
Research, conducted among the people of Balbriggan, demonstrated strong support for reimagining the Harbour and Quay Street area.
The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme has been tasked with and is making huge progress on key infrastructure and social projects.
The works at Quay Street and the Harbour, on both sides of its famous viaduct, will redefine Balbriggan’s beach and coastline and are expected to be complete in late 2025.
Change of use of the former RNLI Boathouse and the development of new harbour buildings are aimed at generating increased social and commercial activity throughout the town.
New public amenities will include toilets and changing places.
The project will also include enhancement works to the River Bracken, new surfacing and increased seating, green and play spaces.
Areas of Quay Street, Mill Street and Harbour Road will become an integrated space which seamlessly links the town.
Some 75% of funding for the project will come from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, with the remainder from Fingal County Council’s capital spending programme.
Under the plan, Fingal County Council has made a number of strategic property acquisitions, as well as driving several social projects.
Work is progressing on developments at Bridge Street and Dublin Street.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, highlighted the new development’s importance not only to the local economy, but also to community life in Balbriggan.
“The enhancement of the Harbour will provide a new much needed high quality public focal point, as well as developing Balbriggan’s tourist offering,” he said.
Minister O’Brien said the Quay Street and Harbour development formed part of a plan to revitalise the town.
“I am delighted to mark the start of a major development which I am sure will have a profound, positive economic and social impact on Balbriggan.
“In total, €25.4m has been awarded under my Department’s Urban Regeneration Development Fund for projects associated with the rejuvenation of Balbriggan.
“As we know, Balbriggan is home to one of the youngest, fastest growing and most diverse populations in Ireland.
“There is an unmatched determination across the community of Balbriggan to build a bright future for the area and this Government investment will help them to do just that,” he said.
Dr David Begg, chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, said this is the most ambitious step yet in the town’s rejuvenation plan.
“Research, conducted among the people of Balbriggan, clearly demonstrated support for reimagining the harbour,” he said.
“Now, the creation of an exciting, lively waterfront plaza and linear park will promote tourism and significantly boost the town.”
AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council believes the development will provide an ideal central meeting place on the Fingal coast.
“This is one of the most significant milestones in our ambition to redevelop Balbriggan and represents a major investment in the town,” she said.
“This reimagined space is a symbol of the progress being made in the Our Balbriggan plan – one that was informed and shaped by the community and which will provide a well-designed public place for people to not only enjoy,but feel proud of.”
John Craddock Ltd has 20 years’ experience in the delivery of high quality, award winning public realm projects, throughout Ireland, including its acclaimed work at Market Square, Dundalk.
