Search launched for projects to enhance Balbriggan’s public spaces

Grants of between €2,000 and €6,000 are available to any person or organisation in Balbriggan with a project that will create or enhance a public space in the town’s centre.

The Placemaking Fund has been established by the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Office of Fingal County Council to support initiatives which make Balbriggan an even better place to live, work in and visit.

Initiatives should improve the physical environment of the local area – they might enhance the town centre through arts and culture and help create a sense of place and identity within the town.

Suitable projects may include initiatives which would increase the footfall and liveliness of the streets, environmental and greening projects, lighting, public art, enhancement of public places to meet and socialise safely and contribute to a safer, cleaner, greener Balbriggan.

The Fund will support opportunities for social connection, support new activities in public places, strengthen the community through learning new skills and create opportunities for a healthier lifestyle.

The grants are available to community groups, businesses, clubs, artists and individuals who have ideas or plans for projects that will enhance resident and visitor experience of the town.

The announcement of the Placemaking Fund was welcomed by the Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy who believes that it will help generate ideas to improve the public spaces in Balbriggan, Ireland’s youngest town.

“The fund will support local ambition and talent in the town to make it an even better place to live, work and play.”

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, welcomed the announcement of the fund as a continued sign of the Council’s commitment as part of its 20 things in 12 months

“Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces that capitalises on a local community's assets, inspiration and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, and well-being,” she said.

The news of the fund was also welcomed by Professor Brian MacCraith, former president of Dublin City University and chair of the Balbriggan Leadership Group which prepared the ambitious plans for the area.

“This fund sets out to enable the people of Balbriggan to have an impact in a very real way in the future of their own town, giving them the power and agency to express their own vision for the community,” said Prof MacCraith.

To apply and for more information see Our Balbriggan Placemaking Fund 2020/2021, or contact the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Office on 01 890 5188 or [email protected]