Ireland revamps Balbriggan to boost young town’s future
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In north county Dublin, Ireland, officials completed a €15 million project to renovate Balbriggan’s Quay Street and harbour area.
The project aimed to improve the town, which has a population where one-third are under 17 and over a quarter were born outside of Ireland. Andy O’Neill, CEO of the Choice Hotel Group, invested €2 million in the town starting in 2023, opening a new cocktail bar among other enterprises, because of the regeneration work.
The renovation created Harbour Square, a 19,300-square-meter space with a civic plaza, park, and community areas for events. A 400-seat concert hall, The Lark, also opened recently. Fingal County Council and the Irish Government funded the project through the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund as part of the larger Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme, which will invest over €50 million in the town. Dr.
David Begg of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group believes the new infrastructure will draw visitors, businesses, and jobs to the area. Annemarie Farrelly, CEO of Fingal County Council, explained that the investment responds to Balbriggan’s recent population growth, aiming to build a strong community and attractive environment. The town's population grew by 215% between 1991 and 2002, reaching nearly 28,000 residents.
