New €15m Harbour Square will be the heartbeat of Balbriggan

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, today officially opened Harbour Square, the landmark €15 million redevelopment of Balbriggan's historic Quay Street and Harbour area.

Harbour Square is the flagship project and largest capital investment within the €50-€55 million Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030, one of the most ambitious urban regeneration initiatives currently underway in Ireland.

Extending across 19,300 square metres, Harbour Square is a unique and sustainable waterfront destination featuring a multi-purpose civic plaza, a linear park, enhanced public realm and vibrant community spaces designed to host markets, festivals, cultural events and year-round activity.

Funding for Harbour Square came from the Government’s Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund (formerly Urban Regeneration Development Fund) and from Fingal County Council.

The rejuvenation of Ireland’s youngest - and one of its most culturally diverse large towns - is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Community and Cultural Development Department.

Our Balbriggan’s aim 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.

Opening Harbour Square, 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 occasion for Balbriggan. Harbour Square represents one of the most significant public investments ever made in the town and creates a vibrant new destination at the heart of our waterfront. It will bring people together, support local enterprise and showcase the very best of Balbriggan. Harbour Square will become the heartbeat of our town."

The restoration and change of use of the former RNLI Boathouse and the development of new commercial buildings at Harbour Square are aimed at generating increased business and social activity throughout the town. New public amenities include toilets and changing places.

The redevelopment includes significant enhancement works to the River Bracken, extensive landscaping, new paving and surfacing, increased seating, improved accessibility and expanded green spaces. Quay Street, Mill Street and Harbour Road have been reimagined as a cohesive and connected public realm that seamlessly links the town centre with the harbour and coastline.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: "I am delighted to officially open the Harbour Square redevelopment project, which represents a significant investment in the future of Balbriggan and its waterfront through the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. The Harbour Square redevelopment is a flagship example of urban regeneration in action. This transformative project has revitalised a key part of the town centre, creating attractive public spaces, enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, improving environmental resilience along the River Bracken, and celebrating Balbriggan's rich maritime heritage.

“I am pleased that Government funding has helped unlock this opportunity and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this development will have on Balbriggan's continued growth and success."

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 in the plan.

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.

Dr David Begg, chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, said 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.”

As part of the project, new harbour-side retail units, including kiosk-style premises, have been incorporated as part of the redevelopment, helping to animate the waterfront, support local enterprise and provide additional services for residents, harbour users and visitors.

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: "Harbour Square is a landmark investment by Fingal County Council, Government and the people of Balbriggan. It will transform the waterfront, attract new opportunities, boost tourism and help shape a strong future for the town.”

The Harbour Square works were delivered by John Craddock Ltd, a contractor with more than 20 years of experience in delivering high-quality, award-winning public realm projects across Ireland. Construction commenced in May 2024.

New children's play facilities will also be delivered in the coming months, further strengthening Harbour Square's role as a vibrant, family-friendly destination and enhancing the area's appeal for residents and visitors alike.