The youth of Ireland’s youngest large town is having their say on its future.
Balbriggan is the youngest large town in Ireland with 8,338 people aged under 17, 32.9% of its population.
A new study, which reached out to local teens, found a need for improved community sports and leisure facilities, including a public swimming pool.
There is also a requirement for the provision of more social spaces for young people, the study shows.
It further identified a need for a greater range of arts and cultural opportunities, a dedicated youth hub in the town centre, and better access to mental health services.
The study, ‘Social Spaces and Youth Services for Young People in Balbriggan’, was carried out on behalf of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme to identify social and recreational needs of teenagers.
It also identifies current and future youth service requirements.
It recommends the formation of a Balbriggan Youth Council with a formal role collaborating with Fingal County Council and its partners to influence development in the town.
The project was led by a steering group comprising members of An Garda Síochána, Fingal County Council, Foróige and Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board.
The report was authored by Dr Carol Barron, Associate Professor at Dublin City University, and independent researcher Dr Harry Shier.
“We are at a very exciting time for Balbriggan and I hope we can build on the energy evident in this report to deliver for young people in Ireland’s youngest large town,” said Cllr Rob O’Donoghue, who deputised for Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, to launch the report alongside Minister of State with responsibility for Youth Justice, James Browne TD.
The research consisted primarily of a series of workshops involving teens attending Balbriggan secondary schools and key youth agencies in the town.
Funded by the Department of Justice, the report has been two years in the making and involved consultation with over 200 young people.
A workshop was also held with professionals from a wide range of organisations and agencies working with teens in Balbriggan.
The research originated from the Safe Balbriggan Pillar of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme.
The ambitious vision contained in the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme was the result of historic community engagement in 2019 which saw more than 25% of residents outline their preferences for the future of the town.
The Programme set out an ambitious vison shaped by townspeople.
The total investment in physical, infrastructural improvements between 2020-2027 is currently projected at €54 -€57 million.
The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Cultural and Tourism Department.
The report was compiled with the assistance of numerous local organisations, including: Ardgillan Community College, Balbriggan Community College, Bremore Educate Together Secondary School, Balbriggan Foróige, Loreto Secondary School, and Balbriggan Youthreach.
Minister Browne commended the Our Balbriggan Programme for its collaborative approach.
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to improve their quality of life,” he said.
“I am very pleased to see the participation of so many young people in this research and eager to see how Fingal County Council can support the recommendations going forward.
“I believe the insights and perspectives contained in the research will have a lasting impact on the community, and on the lives of young people in Balbriggan.
“I commend the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme for the work they have done to build trust and promote inclusivity in the community.
“Protecting our citizens is much wider than policing, we want to empower communities to have a say in matters relating to their own safety.
“The government’s approach to community safety is about bringing the relevant social service providers together with the community in a collaborative manner, by focusing on the concerns identified by the local community itself.
“That approach is very much evident here in Balbriggan.”
Dr David Begg, chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, said it was clear the town was on an upward trajectory.
“This should ensure that we plan for the future now. There is a lot happening and a real energy to harness,” he said.
AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council paid tribute to those involved.
“This level of positive engagement around this report is further evidence of the positive impacts of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme.
“Fingal County Council will continue its strong commitment to Balbriggan,” she said.
A copy of the research can be found here: https://balbriggan.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/YouthResearchReport.pdf
