New Town Team for Balrothery Announced

The Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Grainne Maguire has announced the establishment of a new Town Team in Balrothery and has also launched the Balrothery Town Centre First Health Check Plan.

The Town Centre First policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. It advocates for a holistic, place-based approach to sustainable urban and rural development.

In September 2024 local residents, community organisations, business owners and local stakeholders in Balrothery commenced a series of capacity building sessions with Fingal County Council’s Town Regeneration Office. Through these sessions, participants built up their knowledge of the Town Centre First policy and devised a 24-point Action Plan which charts the future direction for their village. The actions span a range of project types related to public realm improvements, tourism, use of existing infrastructure, place making, Arts, Heritage and Culture. These actions will enable Balrothery to become a more viable, vibrant, and attractive place to live, work, socialise and run a business.

The new Town Team will be chaired by local architect Kevin Tolan. Kevin Tolan has extensive experience engaging with Fingal County Council on a variety of projects. Speaking at the launch, he thanked those who have given of their time to date to set up a Town Team and prepare a plan for the village: “The new Town Team looks forward to engaging proactively with Fingal County Council and others to achieve the implementation of this Health Check Plan, and I am excited about working with my new colleagues on the town team”, he added.

The Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Grainne Maguire, launched the Balrothery Town Centre First Health Check on November 6th at an event held in Balrothery and stated: “Balrothery is a village that is growing rapidly, and a healthy vibrant village centre is vital to support this. This Health Check Plan is the starting point for greater involvement from local community and businesses which will lead to the future development of the village centre. It has been made possible only by the time and energy given by the Town Team and others present, the many local community groups, stakeholders, businesses, and village residents”.

John Quinlivan, Director of Services for Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development in Fingal County Council added: “The Council is supporting the regeneration of towns and villages across Fingal with the establishment of the 6th and latest Town Team in Balrothery. This is a welcome development, and Fingal County Council will fully support the town team as it embarks on the implementation of this Health Check Plan”.

Declan Ryan, Town Regeneration Officer at Fingal County Council commented: “I look forward to working closely with the new Balrothery Town Team and would like to thank all those who contributed to this process. The new Town Centre First Health Check Plan will undoubtedly enhance the amenities of the village into the future for its residents and business community”.

The newly formed Balrothery Town Team are now actively seeking local volunteers who may wish to assist with the delivery of the Town Centre First Health Check plan. If you would like to get involved, you can contact the Town Regeneration Office at [email protected] .

Read the plan here: Balrothery First Health Check Plan 2025.