‘Game-changing’ redevelopment plan unveiled for Ballina quayside
A major redevelopment of Ballina Quay, which overlooks the River Moy and is a key Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way, has gone to public consultation.
Planners are inviting submissions on proposals that hope to transform the area, creating facilities for water sports, outdoor events, and community activities.
Plans involve the construction of a new boating and water-sports shed, which would include toilets, changing rooms and a range of flexible multi-use spaces.
Designs show the building would provide a base for the Ballina Dragon Boat, along with a dedicated rowing boat shed.
The redevelopment would see significant alterations made to the interior and exterior of the Kennedy Glasgow Shed.
An existing extension would be removed, original external doors reopened, and new openings added. The building would also be linked to the proposed new boat shed.
Currently, the building is used by a wide range of local volunteer, sporting and educational groups, hosting activities such as social dancing, yoga and art events.
Further plans include extensions and alterations to existing commercial units, while canopies would be added to outdoor amenity areas.
Planning documents suggest the canopies would provide shelter for farmers’ markets and other outdoor events along The Quay.
Safety and accessibility works also form part of the proposal. Boundary walls and railings would be altered, new safety railings installed along the water’s edge, and additional handrails fitted on existing steps.
Landscaping proposals include the creation of a new grassed area and the planting of trees and vegetation to help reduce rainwater runoff.
Traffic-calming measures are proposed, including the installation of new raised crossing areas along Quay Road.
The proposal also includes all necessary adjustments to utilities and services required to support the development.
Minister Dara Calleary said the redevelopment would be “game changing” for the area and added the plan “holds unbridled potential in terms of its offering for locals and tourists alike”.
All plans and drawings are available to view online, and submissions can be made through the Local Government Ireland Planning system until Friday, April 10.
Plans can be viewed in person at the Ballina Civic Offices up until Friday, March 27.
One online submission has been made so far, which highlights the potential to boost tourism and increase footfall for local businesses.
A submission made by David Hanahoe suggests the Quay area could be developed to accommodate designated overnight parking for campervans.
He points to the “sharp rise in campervan activity along the Wild Atlantic Way” and says there is strong potential for The Quay to “attract overnight business to the local restaurants, coffee shops and pubs”.
Mr Hanahoe said that tourists often use apps to find suitable sites for overnight parking that have facilities for campervans, including “larger parking spaces, waste water disposal and fresh water refilling facilities.”
He said similar facilities have been introduced in Belmullet’s town centre “with great results”, where overnight parking costs between €2.50 and €3, helping to cover costs while allowing for the recording of registration plates to “promote responsible behaviour”.
Mr Hanahoe also suggested offering free or discounted parking to visitors who support local businesses.
“These campervans are already parking around Ballina and spending money in our town, so it could attract wanted tourists by promoting this activity as a positive,” he said.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.