Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, and the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, have opened the multi-million euro redevelopment of Balbriggan’s Quay Street and Harbour.
Harbour Square is the flagship project and largest infrastructural element of the €50-€55 million 2019-2030 Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme, one of the biggest ongoing urban renewal schemes in the country.
The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030, is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Community and Cultural Development Department in Ireland’s youngest and one of its most culturally diverse large towns.
The Programme aims is to create a more attractive, connected place where people want to live, work, visit and do business, and to use public funds to leverage private investment for the good of the coastal community.
Funding for the €15 million Harbour Square project came from the Government’s Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund (formerly Urban Regeneration Development Fund) and Fingal County Council.
Harbour Square is a unique, sustainable, public open space of 19,300 square metres, incorporating a multi-purpose plaza and linear park designed to host markets, events and festivals and help revitalise Ireland’s youngest large town.
It redefines Balbriggan’s beach and coastline, on both sides of its famous viaduct.
The restoration and change of use of the former RNLI Boathouse and the development of new commercial buildings at Harbour Square is aimed at generating increased business and social activity throughout Balbriggan.
The project includes enhancement works to the River Bracken, new surfacing, increased seating, mobility access and green spaces. Quay Street, Mill Street and Harbour Road are now an integrated space, seamlessly linking the town centre to the harbour and beach.
New public amenities include toilets and changing places.
The ambitious vision contained in the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan 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. There was 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. 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 and also at the Bathhouse and Boathouse at the Martello Tower.
Minister Browne said the development would have a profound, positive economic and social impact.
“Balbriggan is home to one of the youngest, fastest growing and most diverse populations in Ireland. There is an unmatched determination across the community to build a bright future and Government investment will help them do just that,” he said.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, highlighted Harbour Square’s importance not only to the local economy, but also to community life.
“This is a momentous event. Balbriggan now has a much needed high quality public focal point, as well as redeveloped tourist offering. Harbour Square will become the heartbeat of our town” he said.
Dr David Begg, chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, said of Harbour Square would prove to be a community facility which would prompt investment by attracting visitors, businesses and jobs.
“We are seeing improved infrastructure, new businesses opening, and a stronger sense of identity. Renewed confidence has encouraged investors, because they can see a long term vision aligning.”
AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said the reimagined space is a symbol of the progress being made by Our Balbriggan, which is informed and shaped by the community.
“This well-designed public space is for people to not only enjoy, but feel proud of. Harbour Square is a milestone in our ambition to redevelop Balbriggan.”
Works were carried out by John Craddock Ltd, which has over has 20 years’ experience in the delivery of high quality, award winning public realm projects throughout Ireland, and commenced in May, 2024.
