Housing scheme will transform historic Ballina site
Pictured at the Duffy’s Bakery site in Ballina were front row, from left: Patrick Newell, Executive Architect, Mayo County Council; Cllr Michael Loftus; Olivia Gallagher, Senior Executive Officer, Housing Section, Mayo County Council; Eileen Corcoran, Administrative Officer, Ballina Municipal District; Cllr Sean Carey, Cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council; Minister Dara Calleary TD; Cllr Jarlath Munnelly, Cathaoirleach, Ballina Municipal District; Orla Bourke, Acting Senior Executive Engineer, Ballina Municipal District; Cllr Annie May Reape. Back row: Tom Gilligan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council; Declan Turnbull, Head of Ballina Municipal District; Don Shorton, Senior Executive Architect, Mayo County Council; Vincent Lydon, Finna Construction, Contractor; Simon Wall, Senior Architect, Mayo County Council; Senator Mark Duffy. Picture: John O'Grady
Mayo County Council will formally commence construction on 31 own-door access apartments at the former Duffy’s Bakery site in Ballina on February 2nd next.
Finna Construction has been appointed to manage the project which is due for completion in autumn of next year.
The council says the new social housing scheme will "breathe new life" into the former bakery site, which is strategically located within walking distance of the town centre of Ballina. The project consists of 31 own-door-access apartments, including 3 three-bed, 14 two-bed and 14 one-bed units.
The council's chief executive Kevin Kelly welcomed the progress on the project, noting that it had been announced during Housing Focus Information Week.
“This new development showcases Mayo County Council’s commitment to deliver housing for all different sectors of the community.
“With a mix of three-bedroom, two-bedroom and one-bedroom homes, we are creating a community for both families and individuals to thrive and have long-term housing security.
“Along with providing homes, this development has been carefully thought out and planned by our architects and housing section, to increase a sense of neighbourhood and connection on Kevin Barry Street and James Connolly Street.
"The development's layout promotes connectivity, passive surveillance, a sense of security and opportunities for social interaction - laying the foundations for a close-knit and vibrant community. The creation of a private courtyard in the scheme will reinforce a sense of place and belonging for residents.
"The new development will also thoughtfully restore three existing derelict town houses on Raheen Row. The design approach adopts a respectful contemporary methodology that will achieve a coherent and contextually sensitive refurbishment of the existing terrace.
