Work will continue at pace on delivering the major economic, infrastructural and social elements of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme in 2026, it has been confirmed, according to Dr David Begg, Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, 2025 was one of momentous progress for the €54-57million plan.

The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030, is one of the biggest ongoing urban renewal projects in the country. It is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development Department.

According to Dr Begg, the plan’s locally-based leadership group will oversee see major change in the town across the next four years.

“The leadership group has adopted plans for its various pillar groups under the headings: Economic Development; Community Development; Education, Skills and Training, and Sustainability, Climate Action and Biodiversity,” he said.

“A key objective includes leveraging investment in the regeneration of Balbriggan by attracting new business, jobs and visitors. Strong collaborative networks have been established between the community and public and private sectors. The continued operation and strengthening of these networks will enable an integrated and flexible approach to the resourcing and delivery of plans.

“These include a range of objectives and actions which will make a demonstrable, positive impact across a range of economic, social and environmental platforms,” he explained.

The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is set to transform the town through public investment and has seen work commence and continue on a number of other key projects.

“Six years on from the launch of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030, the transformation of Ireland’s youngest large town really is now taking shape,” said Dr Begg.

In 2025, plans for a €3.3m creative hub moved to tender stage. The development will deliver a dedicated space for arts, culture and innovation.

Fingal County Council has approved plans for the works at 2-4 Dublin Street, which are expected to be complete, pending the award of a tender, by the end of 2027.

Ensuring Balbriggan becomes a nationally renowned destination for arts and culture is a key part of the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme.

Fingal County Council has proposed a mixed-use commercial, community and residential development, with the River Bracken at its heart.

The plan is to link Millpond Park to a new park entrance at 14 Bridge Street to facilitate a pedestrian and cyclist route down to the transformed Quay Street and Harbour area.

It is estimated work will begin at the site in 2027.

The buildings are within an architectural conservation area. The front façade will be preserved.

The restoration and adaptation of the Historic Bath House and Boat House by the Martello Tower will continue to progress in 2026.

It is intended to proceed to a Part 8 planning public consultation process in the second half of 2026, with completion in 2027.

Long-term, plans for a reinvigorated Railway Street will result in better connectivity between the beach and Quay Street.

Census figures report the population of Balbriggan increased by 215% between 1991 and 2002 to 27,300. Along with being the youngest large town in Ireland, 30% of its population were born outside the country.

“Building on its rich history, and its diverse and growing talent base, Balbriggan is an ambitious community which aims to be inclusive,” Dr Begg said.

“Community prosperity will come from harnessing social, economic and physical advantages.”

Lands at Stephenstown have been earmarked for industry, and further developments are planned for Bremore Castle and Regional Park which will enhance the proposed Fingal Coastal Way.