Plans to revitalise Galway town move forward as local voices shape bold new future
Plans to revitalise Ballinasloe town centre are moving forward as Galway councillors were given a fresh look at the Town Centre First project.
The Paul Hogarth Company, led by director James Henessey, presented the latest proposals at a recent Ballinasloe district meeting, with a particular focus on transforming the Fair Green and establishing a “story centre” to preserve and celebrate the town’s heritage.
As part of the initiative, a community-led ‘Town Team’ has been formed to ensure local voices are represented. The 11-member group has already met five times in a workshop-style setting.
Key elements of the plan include improvements to the Fair Green, the River Suck, the Square, vacant buildings, and surrounding neighbourhoods within the town centre.
Councillor Dermot Connolly said the Fair Green must be something that this project gives priority to as the heart of the town.
The project also aims to highlight Ballinasloe’s history through storytelling and cultural landmarks, from the hidden heritage of local ironworks to the statue in the Square and the town’s historic churches.
Public consultation has been central to the process. Two rounds have already been held, both drawing significant responses. The first saw almost 280 submissions, the second nearly 370.
The first consultation sought priorities from the 93pc of people living within 15-miuntes of Ballinasloe town centre. This highlighted vacancy and dereliction as well as inclusive facilities for young people, swimming spots in the river, and public opportunities.
The follow-up consultation found 91pc of locals supported the Town Centre First vision, with tackling vacant buildings and redeveloping the Fair Green topping the community’s priority list.
Mr Henessey said the goal is to “leverage funding and bring these community projects to fruition.”
Following council feedback, an AA/SEA screening will be conducted and summarisation of the project in multimedia facets will begin to circulate.