Ballina selected for new European-funded project... along with Milan
Pearse Street in the heart of the North Mayo capital of Ballina. Picture: Henry Wills
Ballina is lucky to be chosen as one of only three locations across Europe to benefit from a new heritage-focused European-funded project, local councillors were told last week.
Project leader Siobhán Sexton made a presentation at a meeting of Ballina Municipal District on the Heritact three-year pilot project, which "reactivates historical urban environments". During year one, the primary aim is to address urban sustainability and inclusivity challenges by introducing novel architectural and digital solutions.
The project is also being rolled out in Elefsina in Greece and Milan in Italy.
“It is a 100% European-funded project looking at heritage and historic buildings of each individual place and working together to find solutions," Ms Sexton said.
Ms Sexton said they are exploring what they can do at various sites including the Convent of Mercy, the Church of Ireland, St Michael’s Church, the old Church of Ireland school and Pearse Street.
Cllr Michael Loftus and Cllr Annie May Reape said the project was very positive, while Cllr Mark Duffy described it as being “very exciting” for Ballina to be one of three pilot areas chosen out of 42 applicants.
“It is very prestigious that we have this in the town,” he added.
