Ballina housing development takes huge step forward

Councillors in Ballina have agreed to grant planning permission for 31 new accommodation units in the town.

At this mornings meeting of the Ballina Municipal District, councillors granted a Part 8 agreement, which is the method by which councillors approve local authority developments, to the proposed development at Kevin Barry Street & James Connolly Street, Ballina.

It is to comprise of 3 three-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units and 14 one-bedroom units consisting of 2 three-storey apartment blocks, 1 two-storey block and the refurbishment of the existing terrace at 5-7 Raheen Row. The scheme also includes access from Kevin Barry Street and James Connolly Street and all ancillary site works.

Director of Services Catherine McConnell said this was a project to be proud of.

“This is the kind of thing we should be shouting from the rooftops about. It is innovative, rejuvenating and revitalizing this area of town and also providing accommodation,” she said.

Ms McConnell said the next stage after Part 8 approval will be the detailed tender and pre-tender estimate stage and expects it will be 9-12 months before work begins.

In response to a query from Cllr Marie Therese Duffy, Head of the MD Declan Turnbull said he does not expect the provision of additional parking in this area. He said that it is anticipated that a lot of the one-bed units will be occupied by elderly residents who are unlikely to drive.

Cllr Michael Loftus said he was concerned that a number of parking spaces left in place at this location may become occupied by users of the bus and train station.

“I’m conscious that parking spaces may be occupied by people going up to Dublin for the day,” he said.

Mr Turnbull said there is a focus on encouraging people to use their cars less, particularly when living in a town centre, and said the MD has to lead in this area by not providing additional parking that could encourage people to continue to use their vehicles.