Four Ballina proposals under regeneration programme

Four funding proposals worth a combined €335,000 have been submitted by the Ballina Municipal District under the Government's SÍOL programme for a range of community enhancement, regeneration, and public realm initiatives across Ballina.

The applications were submitted under the new funding scheme, which stands for Scéim Infheistíochta ag Obair Le Chéile (Working Together Investment Scheme).

SÍOL aims to improve disadvantaged urban communities through investment in public spaces, community facilities and local projects.

Ballina was selected as one of 15 towns nationwide to benefit from the programme, which was announced in July by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary. Some €31.5m has been allocated to the scheme up to 2030, including €5m for projects in 2026.

The Ballina application is seeking funding for four projects across the town. Firstly, for the public realm improvements in Ardnaree, incorporating raised pedestrian crossings in the area. Secondly, for enhancements to Ballina Town Park and support for the Ballina Community Clean-Up Initiative. Thirdly, for the development of a Cultural Hub at the Walled Heritage Garden at The Clarke Museum of Irish History and, lastly, for the refurbishment of St Anne's North as part of the Ballina Convent Regeneration CLG project. This would convert a former home economics room into a multipurpose room for community groups that use the facility.

Welcoming the applications, Cathaoirleach Cllr Annie May Reape said the four projects were "well deserving of any funding they can get".

The SÍOL Programme was developed using data from the Central Statistics Office and Pobal's deprivation index to identify deprivation in urban areas. A review of disadvantaged areas also formed part of the analysis underpinning funding allocations, to ensure investment is targeted where it is needed most.