Our Balbriggan
What is Our Balbriggan?
Balbriggan is one of Ireland’s youngest, fastest-growing and most culturally diverse towns. But growing quickly can bring problems as well as exciting opportunities.
In 2019, more than 4,000 local people shared their ideas about the town’s future. Fingal County Council used those ideas to create the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan: a long-term project to make the town centre, coast and community better places to live, learn, work and play.
Why was it launched?
Residents wanted a town centre they could feel proud of, more local jobs and activities, safer and friendlier public spaces, and better connections between the main street, harbour, beach and railway station.
The challenge: a town growing very fast
Balbriggan has lots of energy, ideas and community spirit. The project also needed to tackle some big challenges:
| Challenge | What it can mean for people |
| Fast population growth | Homes and neighbourhoods grew quickly, while the town centre and some services needed to catch up. |
| Travelling for work | Many residents commute to Dublin, so the plan aims to support more jobs and activity closer to home. |
| A tired town centre | Some streets, buildings and public spaces needed care, new uses and investment. |
| Getting around safely | Walking, cycling, driving and public transport all need to work well together. |
| Climate and coast | A seaside town must protect its environment, prepare for climate change and use energy and materials wisely. |
The important idea: the answers should not be designed for the community without them. Local people help shape the projects through surveys, workshops, events and consultations.
A new place by the harbour
The Quay Street, Harbour and surrounding area project turns an important part of Balbriggan’s coast into a welcoming, family-friendly public space.
- More room to meet, sit, walk and enjoy the sea
- A new public square and places for events
- Improved streets and links around the harbour
- New kiosks that can bring activity to the waterfront
- Restoration of the historic RNLI Boathouse
- A playground planned as part of the Harbour Square area
The harbour project connects Balbriggan’s history with a new space that children, families, visitors and local businesses can enjoy.
Town spaces
Projects are improving streets, squares and older buildings. Plans include a creative hub at 2–4 Dublin Street, future work around Bridge Street, Railway Street and Station Plaza, and coastal improvements near the Martello Tower.
Jobs and ideas
The plan aims to attract investment, support local businesses and create more reasons to work and spend time in Balbriggan. Creative, digital and green projects can help people learn skills and test new ideas.
A greener town
Balbriggan is Fingal’s Decarbonising Zone. That means it is testing ways to cut pollution and waste, improve walking and cycling, watch traffic and environmental conditions, and explore cleaner energy and a circular economy.
How people help shape the town
Our Balbriggan began by listening. Nearly one quarter of residents joined the 2019 public engagement, and the project continues to invite people to share ideas.
Fingal has also used a detailed 3D model and virtual reality to help people explore proposed changes before they are built. This makes big plans easier to understand and gives residents a clearer way to say what works and what could be improved.
Think like a town planner
- What would make the harbour fun and safe for children?
- How could people travel around with less pollution?
- Which old building would you give a new job?
- What would make the town centre a place you visit more often?