MetroLink and development plans mean 9,000 jobs and 2,000 homes for Ballymun, report claims
Ballymun is set for major growth as new development plans cite the delivery of 9,000 jobs, 2,000 homes, and a Metrolink connecting to Dublin Airport and the city centre.
These statistics come from Liam Barry, the Economic Development Officer for Ballymun, who presented the ongoing projects for the area at the most recent Economic Development and Enterprise SPC for Dublin City Council . Mr Barry cited "significant investment in Ballymun” in the years to come with the potential to “transform” the Northside suburb.
The Local Area Plan for Ballymun was first adopted in 2017 and has since been extended to 2027. With 33 hectares of land being developed within the LAP area and 24 hectares at the M50, the council aims to utilise 52 hectares within their ownership for the betterment of the community.
Mr Barry explained that there are currently 31 sites set for mixed use development that will support residential, community, and recreational projects, with a capacity for up to 2,000 housing units. He stated there are currently 993 housing units “in the pipe-line” at various stages of development.
A key infrastructure project for Ballymun is the MetroLink , which will include stops to the airport and the city centre. This comes with "significant job opportunities” as the construction’s lifecycle projects up to 9,000 jobs on the project and a further estimated 3,000 jobs in the supply chain.
“This should lead to significant investment in the area and economic growth,” Mr Barry said. “When this investment comes, my job will be to engage with employers and ensure recruitment opportunities are maximised.”
While new infrastructure in the area was welcomed by councillors, Mr Barry also highlighted the work being done to improve the services already available in Ballymun. This includes the Shop-front Improvement Scheme , which has already approved 45 grants totalling €101,392.
The scheme was first launched in 2021 and offers local businesses grants of up €3,000 to pay for up to 50% of the cost of improving a local businesses shopfront. This includes upgrading the front of the shop, replacing damaged signage, or the provision of a new façade for the business.
By offering businesses this grant, the council aims to encourage shop owners to ensure high-quality shopfronts which improves the aesthetics of the area and leads to enhanced streetscapes and increased footfall.
Mr Barry cited Print Ready on Glasnevin Avenue as an example of the power of this scheme. “With investment at the front of the shop and backlit signage, it gave them more visibility from the street which led to increased business,” he said.
“The shop owner said businesses that weren't aware he was even there started to use his services. There isn't much financial support for brick and mortar type businesses, so they are appreciative of the support,” he added.
There has also been an intentional effort to tackle vacancy in Ballymun, with Mr Barry addressing the “legacy of the Ballymun regeneration” that left many spaces unoccupied. By facilitating site visits and vetting those interested in taking up units, several new businesses and services like Betoni Cafe, Hair Together, and the STAR project have found new homes in the Ballymun area.
Mr Barry said there are currently four vacant units in the Shangan Neighbourhood Centre in need of occupancy. While this location does come with challenges as it’s outside the core area of Ballymun, the council “will consider any viable proposals for the unit” whether that’s a private business or a social enterprise.
One success story from the Ballymun 4 Business programme, which offers opportunities for local businesses and organisations to meet and network, is Funky Monkey Foods. This business started with Ballymun local Debbie Crowley starting a curry sauce enterprise from her own kitchen and has since seen her products available in Aldi, Centra, Spar, SuperValu, Tesco and more.
Mr Barry explained that the Ballymun 4 Business programme helped her gain a space and expand her business. As an initiative that directly supports local businesses, they offer mentorship and skills development through Innovate Communities.
Job fairs and student engagement is also an important of the Ballymun’s economic development goals, with different employment events hosted partnership with INTREO in the
Civic Centre. Mr Barry said that they help hundreds of jobseekers with interview skills, CV workshops, and linking them with employers.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme