Multi-million funding package confirmed for Ballina Quay

Ballina is to receive over €7.5m in funding for an ambitious regeneration of the Quay under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund programme.

The funding package, confirmed this morning by Minister for Rural and Community Development and TD for Mayo Dara Calleary and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, includes a further €150,000 for a Ballina Town Centre Project Design Measure.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will now engage with Mayo County Council regarding the next steps they need to take to deliver on this ambition for the Quay in Ballina.

Minister Calleary said the overall funding package represents a significant investment in Ballina’s waterfront which he described as having ‘massive potential’.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with the funding announced for the Quay in Ballina and I want to thank my colleague, James Browne, for coming to Mayo to make this announcement,” said Minister Calleary.

“I have long championed this project because I know that the Quay in Ballina is one of Ballina and north Mayo’s prize assets with massive potential.” Among the plans for the Quay includes new boating and water sports facilities, new toilets and changing areas, the refurbishment of the Kennedy Glasgow Centre, the extension of commercial units, soft landscaping and planting and installation of pedestrian crossings.

“This project is going to truly transform the area. The Quay has long been a key focal point for those involved in water sports, local recreation and as a draw for visitors who wish to explore the River Moy and the North Mayo coastline,” said Minister Calleary. “I am excited to watch this project progress in the coming months.

Minister Browne said there are almost 120 projects across every local authority in Ireland and projects such as the Quay regeneration will boost their respective towns.

“I want the centre of our towns and cities to be places people want to hang out in, meet up, do the shopping so well as live in. We have to improve these areas because not only should they look well, but they should be used by our communities and also feel safe,” he said.

"I wish to commend local authorities for their submissions which reflect their ambition and commitment to the programme.” “I would also like to thank the community groups and social enterprises who have collaborated with them in creating projects that will have a lasting effect on their locality."

The Quay is a focal part of Ballina’s maritime history, facilitating trade between the north Mayo capital and the rest of the world in the early 19th century. In more recent years, the Quay has become home to a number of local businesses and is a thriving water activities hub in Ballina.