Ballyboughal Town Centre First Health Check launched by Deputy Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Grainne Maguire

The Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Councillor Grainne Maguire, has officially launched the Ballyboughal Town Centre First Health Check plan and the establishment of a new Town Team for the village.

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

In September 2024 residents, community organisations, business owners and local stakeholders in Ballyboughal commenced a series of capacity building workshops with Fingal County Council’s Town Regeneration Office.

Through these workshops participants built their understanding of the Town Centre First policy and collaboratively developed a community led Action Plan which charts the future direction for their Village.

The actions identified in the Town Centre First Health Check span a range of projects aimed at making Ballyboughal a viable, vibrant and attractive place to visit, live, work, socialise and run a business.

A key outcome of this process has been the formation of the Ballyboughal Town Team chaired by Vicky McGauley, a local resident and passionate community advocate who will help steer the ongoing implementation of the Town Centre First Health Check plan and promote Ballyboughal as a beautiful and thriving destination.

Speaking at the launch, Vicky McGauley commented: “I’d like to take this opportunity to say a special thank-you to all the volunteers in Ballyboughal for everything they do, week in and week out, across so many different projects. It’s the spirit of volunteerism that keeps our village improving in so many ways. To those who accepted the invitation and joined our Town Team, thank you sincerely for stepping forward and giving your time, insight, and dedication to shaping Ballyboughal’s next chapter”.

The Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Grainne Maguire, launched the Ballyboughal Town Centre First Health Check on November 11th at an event held in the village and stated: “This Town Centre First Health Check has been made possible by the commitment of the community to engage at every level and I commend the energy given by the Town Team and others to making this happen. The community of Ballyboughal have demonstrated what can be achieved when local passion meets a shared vision for the future”.

John Quinlivan, Director of Services for Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development in Fingal County Council added: ““The Council is pleased to continue the regeneration of towns and villages across Fingal with the establishment of the latest Town Team in Ballyboughal. 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 Fingal County Council commented: “I wish to thank the new Town Team and all those who participated in the capacity building workshops. The Town

Regeneration Office in Fingal County Council will support, where possible, the work and ambition of the new Town Team. We look forward to working with the new Town Team into the future.”.

The newly formed Ballyboughal 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] .