Fingal County Council launches Balbriggan Integrated Action Plan

Balbriggan, Fingal County Council’s designated city and lead city for the URBACT EcoCore Project, has marked a major milestone in its sustainability journey with the launch of the Balbriggan Integrated Action Plan (IAP) in the Bracken Court Hotel, Balbriggan.

The EcoCore Project is a European URBACT Action Planning Network focused on accelerating the green transition in small cities located along strategic transport corridors. Fingal County Council is the first Irish Local Authority to lead an URBACT project, bringing together nine European partner cities to build capacity for climate action, promote green economic development, and support local stakeholders in transitioning to low-carbon energy sources.

In Balbriggan, the project has focused on shaping the sustainable development of the industrial lands at Stephenstown Industrial Estate, with the ambition to transform the lands into a thriving centre for green industry and the circular economy through the Balbriggan Integrated Action Plan. Insights gathered through workshops, transnational city visits, stakeholder engagement and peer reviews with partner cities have directly informed the development of the Balbriggan IAP.

The launch event highlighted the four strategic objectives of the Balbriggan IAP and outlined how Fingal County Council will continue to work collaboratively with local partners to deliver on the objectives. Attendees heard valuable reflections from Cllr. Gráinne Maguire, a member of the Balbriggan URBACT Local Group (ULG), and from Wessel Badenhorst, an expert on European projects and funding, who have supported the EcoCore Project from its inception.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary attended the event and said: “Balbriggan is a dynamic town bursting with energy, creativity, and potential. With over 8,000 pupils in local schools - many winning top honours at the national Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition - we have a strong talent pool to attract employers and foreign investment".

"Our Integrated Action Plan, covering more than 250 acres and focused on green energy and the circular economy, sets a clear path for growth for Balbriggan. Collaboration between local stakeholders and European URBACT EcoCore partners shows what’s possible when we work together".

"I look forward to the positive impact this plan will bring - creating new jobs locally and giving greater opportunities for the people of Balbriggan".

The Council’s Economic Development team are progressing implementation of the Balbriggan IAP, focusing on the delivery of the necessary infrastructure on the industrial lands to open up the lands for development and engaging with businesses to develop the Future Fingal: Sustainable Fingal Strategy to identify and address the challenges businesses face with implementing sustainable business measures and transitioning to the circular economy.

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly added: “The Balbriggan Integrated Action Plan represents a major step forward for the town’s future. Through the URBACT EcoCore partnership, we’ve been able to bring international best practice directly into our local planning, ensuring that Balbriggan continues to grow as a vibrant, sustainable and economically resilient community. This plan reflects the ambition of our residents, our businesses and our partners, and we are proud to support its delivery”

For more information on the URBACT EcoCore Project please visit our webpage:  EcoCore | urbact.eu

Read our IAP document here:  Balbriggan EcoCore IAP