Fingal County Council has been given the go ahead for a €10 million transformation of the Balbriggan town centre which will deliver a unique public civic space in the heart of Ireland’s youngest town. The proposed new public space is the first and largest signature project to be brought forward under the Council’s Our Balbriggan 2019-2025 Rejuvenation Plan. The multi-purpose plaza area and linear park is designed to host markets, events and festivals and to provide enhanced play, leisure and tourism opportunities in the town. The approval by Councillors means revitalisation plans for the area will now move forward, with the re-development of the 19,300m2 site expected to commence in early 2024 and the works completed on a phased basis by the end of 2025.Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony said: “This project will help transform the area into a much more people-oriented public space. Along with enhancing the appeal of the location, a new commercial building and two new kiosks will be built on the site of a former nightclub in the harbour area to accommodate visitor and leisure activities.”The public realm redevelopment will see areas of Quay Street, Mill Street, Harbour Road and Balbriggan Harbour become an integrated space which links the town centre and River Bracken with the harbour. The canalisation of the River Bracken will also be undertaken, opening it up as an amenity for residents and visitors to experience and enjoy. Broad steps will lead down to the water, which will feature increased planting, improved biodiversity and enhanced flood protection. 75% of the funding for the €10 million project will come from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, with the remainder financed from Fingal’s capital spending programme. Professor Brian MacCraith, chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, said the development is the most significant step yet in the town’s rejuvenation plan. “The granting of planning permission is wonderful news for Balbriggan and will help secure its future. Our consultations with the people of Balbriggan, clearly demonstrated support for reimagining the harbour area. The approved proposals will do just that, creating an exciting, lively pier and waterfront that will help link leisure and tourism opportunities in the town and significantly boost Balbriggan’s offering,” He paid tribute to all who contributed to the public consultation process: “I am delighted that not only have we reflected the public’s view of the reimagining of the harbour area, but also that the feedback and local insight gleaned from the public consultation process was critical in progressing plans and is ultimately reflected in the project.”