Fingal County Council has recently launched a public consultation on plans to transform the centre of Balbriggan as part of a €10 million redevelopment which will deliver a unique sustainable public open space in the heart of Ireland’s youngest town. Subject to planning permission, the redevelopment of the 19,300 square metres site is expected to commence in late 2023, with works being completed in five phases between early 2024 and Q1 2025. Under the plans, the existing playground, green spaces and planting zones will nearly double in size, with play equipment for all ages integrated into the flowing design of the public space. 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 in order to accommodate visitor and leisure activities. To help with the transformation of the area into a people-oriented public space, the plans outline the removal of 175 car parking spaces.. Extensive surveying of the town’s car parking spaces has been carried out which has indicated that there is more than sufficient car parking capacity at all times around the town to facilitate the removal of these car parking spaces in this area.The Council is keen to gain further views on the proposals which have been developed thanks to the ongoing input from the community at various information meetings held over the last 12 months. This feedback and local insight have been key to helping progress the ongoing work in Balbriggan and is reflected in the current proposal. The public consultation process will commenced on Thursday, July 7 with plans on public display at Balbriggan Library and County Hall, Swords until August 5. They will also be available online at consult.fingal.ie/en/browse. Scheduled open days, advertised in advance, will take place in August at the Our Balbriggan Hub in George’s Square where people can discuss the plans with relevant Council officials for more information.Submissions about the redevelopment plans will be accepted until 5pm on August 19.